Medical therapy of extraesophageal gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Overview

Patients with extraesophageal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are often more difficult to treat than patients with typical GERD. Effective treatment almost always requires the use of proton pump inhibitors, often in higher doses than traditionally used to treat patients with heartburn and erosive esophagitis and for a longer period of time. Long-term maintenance therapy is usually required as relapse is almost universal when therapy is discontinued. This paper reviews the treatment options and suggested approach to management of these patients with extraesophageal GERD.