Do you always need to take medication for reflux esophagitis?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on February 27, 2025
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) doesn't necessarily require continuous medication. If symptoms are effectively relieved, and patients no longer experience recurrence for four to eight weeks following adjustments to their diet and lifestyle, then it might be considered appropriate to temporarily discontinue medication. However, if symptoms recur after these treatments, prompt pharmacological treatment should be administered to prevent worsening of the condition. Treatment might include the use of proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and lansoprazole to suppress gastric acid secretion, as well as antacids like aluminum magnesium carbonate and sucralfate to protect the gastric mucosa. Additionally, medications like mosapride or itopride may be used to enhance motility in the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract. (Medication should be taken according to medical advice.)

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Can I occasionally eat ice cream with reflux esophagitis?

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can occasionally eat ice cream. However, it is advisable for those with GERD to eat less high-fat food and avoid alcohol, strong tea, coffee, chocolate, etc. It is recommended to eat small, frequent meals and avoid overeating. Consuming fresh vegetables and fruits is encouraged, but patients should not have a heavy dinner or lie down immediately after eating. After taking medicine, it’s beneficial to stand and move around. Patients should maintain a regular diet, adhere to their medication schedule, and undergo regular endoscopic check-ups. Generally, GERD is not very severe.

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How to distinguish between plum pit qi and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Plum pit qi and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can initially be distinguished by their symptoms. For example, plum pit qi primarily presents with a sensation of a foreign object in the throat, which cannot be coughed up nor swallowed down. On the other hand, GERD may lead to vomiting, gastrointestinal indigestion, and it is likely to cause symptoms such as throat pain. Therefore, distinguishing between the two based on their symptoms can be very effective. Regardless of whether it is plum pit qi or GERD, it is crucial to seek timely treatment to prevent the condition from worsening and becoming more difficult to cure.

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Is reflux esophagitis grade III serious?

Reflux esophagitis is generally classified into four grades according to the Los Angeles classification. Grade III indicates that the mucosal damage in the esophagus has merged, but it covers less than 75% of the esophageal circumference. Although grade III reflux esophagitis is not very severe, regular treatment is necessary. Treatment should be administered under the guidance of a doctor, and proton pump inhibitors may be considered to suppress gastric acid secretion and reduce the stimulation of gastric acid on the esophageal mucosa. Medications that protect the esophageal and gastric mucosa, such as aluminum magnesium carbonate and sucralfate, are also needed. In addition, medications that enhance esophageal and gastric motility, such as mosapride, can be taken. (Please consult a doctor before using any medication.)

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Is reflux esophagitis grade LA-A severe?

Reflux esophagitis grade LA-A is not very severe. It is the lowest grade in the classification of reflux esophagitis, indicating that one or more areas of the esophageal mucosa are damaged, but the length of the lesions is less than five millimeters. If reflux esophagitis grade LA-A is present, the use of proton pump inhibitors, which suppress gastric acid secretion, can be considered for treatment to reduce the damage and irritation to the esophageal mucosa from excessive gastric acid secretion. Additionally, medications such as aluminum-magnesium carbonate and sucralfate can be used to protect the esophageal and gastric mucosa. The specific choice of medication and the dosage should be used under the guidance of a clinical physician.

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What medicine is taken for gastritis and reflux esophagitis?

Gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease are relatively common in clinical settings. Generally, medications that reduce acid production, protect the mucous membrane, and improve gastrointestinal motility can be chosen for treatment. Of course, dietary advice includes consuming clean, easily digestible foods, cultivating good living and eating habits, and avoiding overeating and binge drinking. Gastritis is more commonly seen clinically, with most patients exhibiting symptoms of abdominal pain and bloating. Esophagitis primarily presents with nausea, belching, and burning pain, leading most patients to seek treatment from a gastroenterologist. The fastest diagnosis primarily relies on gastroscopy, which can reveal congestion and edema of the esophageal and gastric mucosa, and even the formation of erosion and ulcers, ruling out diagnoses like esophageal or gastric cancer. Therefore, the treatment of gastritis and esophagitis mainly relies on medications, which are selected after a complete gastroscopy. The typical course of treatment is about four weeks. If symptoms can be controlled, the dosage can be gradually reduced to maintain the minimal effective amount. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)