Patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease can benefit from intermittent treatment

Patients with symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are commonly given long term treatment with antisecretory drugs. This may be unnecessary in many. Bardhan et al (p 502) have shown that the number of symptomatic episodes is generally low and that short courses of treatment to control symptoms are acceptable to half of the patients. Patients who could benefit from this treatment strategy may be identified in general practice by observation over about three relapses to determine the pattern. Those who relapse frequently or whose symptoms prove difficult to control are candidates for long term treatment while the remainder may do well on intermittent treatment.


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Relevant Article

Symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: double blind controlled study of intermittent treatment with omeprazole or ranitidine

K D Bardhan, S Müller-Lissner, M A Bigard, G Bianchi Porro, J Ponce, J Hosie, Mairi Scott, D G Weir, K R W Gillon, R A Peacock, and Claire Fulton
BMJ 1999 318: 502-507. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]