Non-Pharmacological approach for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

  • Mohammad Akram Randhawa Pharmacology Department, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi
  • Sadia Azam Khan Department of Family Medicine, Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU), Rawalpindi
  • Aqsa Naseer Senior Registrar, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalp
  • Muhammad Tariq Baqai HBS Medical and Dental College, Islamabad
Keywords: Severe GERD, Akram’s life-style, Two meals a day, Only fluids in between

Abstract

Treatment of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is becoming a challenge. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed but have many risks, particularly in long-term use. In an earlier pilot study, we have reported benefits of short-term practice of a new life-style, two meals a day with only liquids in between, for management of GERD. Present case report demonstrates benefits of long-term practice of this dietary regimen. A 61 year old patient complaining of night refluxes was diagnosed to have severe GERD with ulcerations at gastroesophageal junction and was advised to take two meals a day with only water, fruit juice, tea, or milk in intervening period. His reflux symptoms improved within fortnight and he remained well for long-time. Endoscopy done after seven years revealed competent and clear gastroesophageal junction. It is concluded that suggested life-style, “Akram’s life-style”, for GERD is a useful alternate to risky medical and surgical interventions.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.3.7291

How to cite this: Randhawa MA, Khan SA, Naseer A, Baqai MT. Non-Pharmacological approach for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(3):549-551. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.3.7291

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Author Biographies

Sadia Azam Khan, Department of Family Medicine, Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU), Rawalpindi

Assistant Professor and Head of Department of Family Medicine

Aqsa Naseer, Senior Registrar, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalp

Senior Registrar, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine

Muhammad Tariq Baqai, HBS Medical and Dental College, Islamabad

Professor (Retired), Department of Medicine, HBS Medical and Dental College, Islamabad

Published
2023-12-30
How to Cite
Randhawa, M. A., Khan, S. A., Aqsa Naseer, & Baqai, M. T. (2023). Non-Pharmacological approach for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 40(3). https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.3.7291