Treatment: Medication

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