title: Effectiveness of lifestyle measures in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease - a case series.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effectiveness of lifestyle measures in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) among adults attending a dietetic practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective case series of adult patients presenting with GERD to a dietetic practice over a three year period. The routine lifestyle counselling for treatment of symptoms of GERD included: not reclining within two to three hours of eating; a diet low in fat; small frequent meals; avoiding dietary components considered to relax the lower esophageal sphincter; and avoiding local irritants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty three cases were included (12 male). Eighteen, (9 female) were referred by their doctor, 7 (6 female) presented for GERD alone, 7 (4 female) presented for GERD together with comorbidities, and 9 (1 female) incidentally mentioned GERD during a dietary consultation for another disorder. Thirteen participants (9 female) had previously undergone endoscopies, 18 (11 female) were taking medication for GERD, and 19 (7 female) had comorbidities. Twenty two (10 female) reported an improvement in symptoms with 11/18 taking GERD medication at presentation reducing their medication following treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that a more thorough investigation of lifestyle modification in the treatment of GERD is warranted.
authors: Madeleine
authors: M
authors: Nowak
authors: Petra
authors: P
authors: Büttner
authors: Simone
authors: S
authors: Harrison
authors: Kym
authors: K
authors: Daniell
authors: Beverly
authors: B
authors: Raasch
authors: Rick
authors: R
authors: Speare