CHICAGO, May 16 (UPI) -- Over-the-counter treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, may not be as effective in treating symptoms as are doctor-prescribed treatments.
"People often opt to take over-the-counter remedies for quick relief of acid reflux symptoms, rather than visiting a doctor for an appropriate diagnosis," said Dr. John Johanson of the University of Illinois. "Hopefully these findings will encourage more people to seek proper diagnosis and therapy from their doctors."
People seeking relief from GERD symptoms -- including persistent and frequent heartburn and acid indigestion -- often turn to over-the-counter medicines before they are formally diagnosed.
Researchers at Guy's King's and St. Thomas' School of Medicine found proton pump inhibitors and other prescription medicines for GERD are more effective than over-the-counter remedies in relieving symptoms.
"Patients suffering from GERD seeking more complete symptom relief should consult their physicians who can make a definite diagnosis of the disease and suggest appropriate treatment," said Dr. Roger Jones of Guy's King's and St. Thomas' School of Medicine.
The findings were reported during Digestive Disease Week 2005, a gathering of experts in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery.
