Diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Bottom line

The diagnosis of GERD is based on clinical presentation with typical symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation. Empiric therapy with a plan for weight loss and a PPI for 8 weeks is strongly recommended. Endoscopy should be done for individuals who do not respond to initial therapy.

Reference

Katz, Philip et al. Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Am. J. Gastroenterol. 2013;108:308-28.

Dr. Skolnik is associate director of the family medicine residency program at Abington (Pa.) Memorial Hospital and professor of family and community medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia. Dr. Rosner is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and a third-year resident in the family medicine residency at Abington Memorial Hospital.