Medical management of patients with reflux esophagitis.

Medical management of reflux esophagitis includes physical manipulations, antacids, and antireflux medications (bethanechol and alginic acid). Their combined usage in the continuous dyspeptic and the problem case help "break the cycle," providing relief for long periods of time. Identification of possible inciting factors in cases of recurrence should be pointed out to the patient so that he will develop an instinctive antireflux behavior. The effect of this combined therapy on the pathophysiology and natural history of the disease remains to be determined.