Treatment: Medication
In addition to dietary and lifestyle changes, medication is commonly used to treat heartburn, the most common symptom of reflux disease.
Benefits
- Reduced stomach acid production
- Relief from heartburn symptoms
- Reduced inflammation of the oesophageal lining
Limitations/Risks
- May not provide adequate symptom relief
- Does not affect the mechanical cause of reflux disease (LOS)
- Does not prevent reflux disease
- Side effects include: headache, diarrhoea, and upset stomach
- Up to 40% of patients continue to have symptoms while on medication
- Possible side effects of long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) including: possible fracture risk, low magnesium levels, and clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea
