Management of reflux oesophagitis

General first-line measures against reflux oesophagitis include:

• losing weight
• stopping smoking
• elevating the head of the bed
• not lying down before a meal
• not eating before bedtime
• reducing the size of meals

Guidance as to the management of oesophagitis in primary care is provided by NICE (1).

If the condition is intractable then surgical intervention may be indicated. This amounts to 5% of patients seen by a specialist, usually people troubled by the volume of fluid regurgitated rather than by the oesophagitis. The operation of choice is fundoplication which may be carried out in an open manner via transthoracic or transabdominal approaches, or via a laparoscope.

Reference

1. NICE. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia in adults: investigation and management. Clinical guideline CG184. Published: 03 September 2014 Last updated: 18 October 2019