title: Medical therapy of gastroesophageal reflux and management of esophageal strictures.
abstract: The goals of modern medical therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease are threefold: first, eliminate symptoms; second, heal injured esophageal mucosa; third, manage and/or prevent complications. Selection of a particular medical regimen depends on the severity of the disease, effectiveness of the therapy, cost, and convenience of the medical regimen. An accurate diagnosis needs to be made in patients suspected with esophageal strictures. If there is a treatable underlying disease, specific therapy is essential. The goal of dilation therapy should be established and set about to accomplish in a timely, but unhurried fashion. Fluoroscopy and wire-guided dilators should be used liberally, especially for difficult strictures.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Kentucky, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Wo
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Waring
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004106:Dilatation; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors
chemical_list: D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors