Instructions
Reflux Esophagitis

Commonly called heartburn, reflux esophagitis results when small particles of food covered with digestive (gastric) juices flow from the stomach back up into lower portions of the esophagus. This reflux causes tissue in the esophagus to be irritated, which, in turn, causes a burning sensation in the chest, hence the name heartburn.

Most often antacids or neutral liquids, such as water or milk, will help settle your stomach and relieve the burning sensation.

Below are listed specific instructions to follow in the conservative medical (non-operative) management of reflux:

1. Take prescribed medication faithfully.

2. One (1) ounce of antacid of choice, 30 minutes after meals and at bedtime.

3. Eat smaller meals more frequently and do not eat anything within ~ two (2) hours prior to going to bed at night.

4. Eliminate coffee, other caffeine containing products, and smoking from  lifestyle.

5. Don't lie down immediately after meals.

6. Elevate head of bed on four (4) inch blocks to create a slight incline. Using extra pillows Will NOT Work, and in fact, may aggravate your problem. Waterbed sleepers may try a foam wedge, which may fail and require that you switch to a regular bed.

7. A follow-up examination, usually endoscopic, will be scheduled usually from three (3) to six (6) months from beginning this regimen. Failure to respond usually indicates a need for surgery.

8. If frequent nighttime chocking (Nocturnal Aspiration) is occurring in spite of improvement of heartburn symptoms, this may be an indication for surgery as well.

9. Weight loss in overweight individuals should be accomplished.

Strict compliance with the above is mandatory; otherwise, your doctor will not be able to decide whether further therapy is necessary. Most medical authorities agree that surgery for gastroesphageal reflux is contraindicated unless a patient is documented to have had persistent symptoms after six (6) months of this conservative regimen. For more information, please ask your doctor.

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