This week we review some pearls in the diagnosis and management of acid reflux.
Episode 74.0 – Gastroesophogeal Reflux (GERD)
Show Notes
Take Home Points
- GERD pain can mimic or co-exist with the more deadly causes of chest pain. Be sure to consider all the serious causes of chest pain, get an EKG and maybe a chest XR while you go about symptom management.
- Respond to a treatment doesn’t prove a diagnosis. GERD pain may get better with nitro and ACS pain may get better with a GI cocktail. Keep an open mind while seeing these patients.
- Standard treatment for GERD includes an antacid and H2 blocker and maybe a PPI. Keep in mind that a PPI takes a while to work, so be sure to give something faster acting in the ED
- And last, for these patients, take those few extra minutes for some counseling on lifestyle modifications. All medications come with side effects, so be sure to address things like diet, smoking and weight loss while you have a captive audience.
