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Updated: Jul 3, 2025
Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Managing heartburn and reflux in primary care
Delaney Provenza1, Christopher Gillette, Brian Peacock
1At Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C., Delaney Provenza is an assistant professor, Christopher Gillette is an associate professor and director of research and scholarship, Brian Peacock is an assistant professor and PA program director, and Jared Rejeski is an assistant professor of gastroenterology. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
This study outlines an algorithmic approach for managing heartburn and reflux, emphasizing acid-suppression therapy and data-driven diagnostics. Optimizing testing reduces diagnosis time, improves symptom control, and prevents long-term complications.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Heartburn and reflux are common conditions requiring effective management strategies.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used for acid suppression.
- Current diagnostic approaches may be refined for better patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an algorithmic approach for managing patients with heartburn and reflux.
- To review the efficacy and safety of proton pump inhibitors.
- To highlight the benefits of a data-driven approach to diagnostic testing.
Main Methods:
- Development of an algorithmic care pathway for heartburn and reflux.
- Empiric treatment with acid-suppression therapy.
- Review of proton pump inhibitor efficacy and safety data.
Main Results:
- An algorithmic approach can streamline diagnosis and treatment for reflux symptoms.
- Proton pump inhibitors demonstrate a favorable efficacy and safety profile.
- Refined diagnostic strategies can lead to quicker diagnoses and better symptom management.
Conclusions:
- An algorithmic, data-driven approach improves the care of patients with heartburn and reflux.
- Optimized diagnostic testing reduces delays and complications associated with chronic GERD.
- Proton pump inhibitors remain a cornerstone in the management of acid-related disorders.
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