How Would You Manage This Patient With Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms? Grand Rounds Discussion From Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

(from December 2024 Annals for Educators)

Choosing the optimal treatment for a patient with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can depend on the severity of the symptoms and whether there are any atypical symptoms. Classic GERD is often treated empirically. Recommendations from the American College of Gastroenterology, updated in 2021, include guidance on methods for diagnosis, including upper endoscopy, and treatment approaches that include histamine-2 receptor antagonist or proton-pump inhibitor therapy and lifestyle and dietary modification. Here, a primary care practitioner and a gastroenterologist discuss their approach to a patient with classic GERD symptoms who may also have an atypical presentation.

Use this article to:

  • Watch the patient video and ask yourself how you would manage this patient.
  • Consult a gastroenterologist to discuss how this patient would likely be managed at your institution. Would the patient likely be referred for testing or started on empirical therapy?
  • Watch the grand rounds video and test your knowledge by completing the quiz that accompanies the article.

Annals for Educators is a Web Exclusives feature of Annals of Internal Medicine which includes activities using selected Annals articles to help medical educators in their teaching activities.

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