[Gastroesophageal reflux and esophagitis (II). Treatment guidelines]

The current therapeutic approach to gastroesophageal reflux disease is reviewed. Dietary measures, postural measures and drug therapy can be used to alleviate symptoms and for improving healing of esophageal lesions. Surgery can be used only in a few cases. Antacids, alginic acid, and motor-stimulating drugs i.e. metoclopramide and bethanecol, may be sufficient to treat pathologic reflux without esophagitis. When erosive or ulcerative lesions, a more vigorous treatment including H2 receptor blockers and omeprazole can be used.