Conclusion

No one knows why people develop acid reflux disease. Research is under way on many levels to find the cause of GERD and to find additional treatments. The good news is that the vast majority of GERD patients respond to current drug therapy.

It's important to remember that GERD is a chronic disease. Treatment is usually maintained on a long-term basis. Even after symptoms have been brought under control, patients need follow-up, support, and education.

For more information and resources about GERD, visit the Gastroesophageal Reflux/Hiatal Hernia page from the National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/gastroesophagealrefluxhiatalhernia.html.

Sources

Heidelbaugh, JJ and Nostrant, TT. Medical and surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Clinics in family practice. 2004 Sept 6(3): 547-568.

Napierkowski, M and Wong RK. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. In: Rakel, RE. Conn's current therapy 2004. 56th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company; 2004: 573-578.

National Institutes of Health. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Heartburn, Hiatal Hernia, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/#3. Accessed December 1, 2004.

National Institute of Health. National Library of Medicine. Gastroesophageal Reflux/Hiatal Hernia. Available at:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/gastroesophagealrefluxhiatalhernia.html. Accessed December 1, 2004.