Efficacy of Omeprazole for the Treatment of Symptomatic Acid Reflux Disease Without Esophagitis

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Abstract
GASTROESOPHAGEAL reflux disease (GERD), which results from abnormal exposure of the esophagus to refluxed gastric acid, is a clinical problem that is commonly seen in primary care practices. Heartburn is the classic symptom of GERD, but other symptoms, such as acid regurgitation, dysphagia, and epigastric pain, are also common. Many patients with GERD who are troubled by heartburn have no macroscopic evidence of esophagitis, ie, they have no clear-cut breaks in the esophageal mucosa as determined by endoscopy; these patients are said to have symptomatic nonerosive GERD. It is estimated that one half to three quarters of patients with GERD do not have erosive esophagitis (ie, have normal endoscopy results),1-3 making this a more widespread clinical problem than reflux esophagitis. Moreover, heartburn, even in the absence of demonstrable esophagitis, can seriously affect a patient's quality of life.4