Review of drug treatment after diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease through endoscopy at Gangdong Seoul Clinic

Two months ago, I underwent an endoscopy at Gangdong Seoul Clinic to get a health check-up. I was able to see the doctor immediately on the day of the examination. I was diagnosed with reflux esophagitis. The endoscopy images showed that the mucosa had turned red. Additionally, there was gastritis, which caused erosion.

They asked me about my eating habits. They checked if I was overeating, drinking coffee, or if I had recently taken any pain relievers or fever reducers. Since the doctor asked thoroughly, I felt I could trust him.

However, I had all the bad habits that are not good for reflux esophagitis: eating quickly, overeating, and drinking a strong Americano on an empty stomach in the morning. These are poor eating habits that can worsen gastritis and reflux esophagitis. The doctor prescribed medication. I was given esomeprazole capsules for excess stomach acid and Mucosta tablets to protect the stomach lining. It was a 28-day supply, and I finished it all.

Since receiving the diagnosis this time, I have also changed my eating habits. I used to start my morning by skipping breakfast and drinking just one cup of coffee, but now I have started to eat a simple breakfast such as boiled eggs or soy milk. I also tried intermittent fasting, but I stopped that as well. When I felt a bit of stomach discomfort, I minimized coffee consumption to protect my stomach.

It has been a month since I finished taking the medication, and I no longer experience uncomfortable or burning sensations. I am also trying to reduce my habit of overeating to prevent acid reflux, so I put down my spoon when I feel slightly full. It is also not good to lie down immediately after overeating, so I try to finish dinner as early as possible.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease initially requires medication treatment. Afterwards, consistent dietary habit correction seems to be the most important.

This is the medication prescribed for reflux esophagitis. The prescription bag also provided information on nutrients to supplement. I also took vitamin D separately and made sure to take a multivitamin as well.

I conclude my story of overcoming my reflux esophagitis, hoping for the day when everyone can feel comfortable.

 

If you have symptoms of reflux esophagitis like the ones below, don't hesitate and go to the internal medicine department immediately!

 

[Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease]

Typical symptoms include chest burning (heartburn) or acid reflux symptoms, while atypical symptoms include chest pain, hoarseness, throat foreign body sensation (pharyngeal lump), difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), sore throat, cough, asthma, and indigestion. Heartburn is the most common and important symptom, occurring in at least 75% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, and it is known that the decrease in patients' quality of life is proportional to the severity of this symptom. In Korea, heartburn is translated and used in various ways such as chest burning, chest pain, or sub-sternal burning, but patients find it difficult to understand accurately. Therefore, to help patients better understand this symptom, it is sometimes described as a "burning sensation rising from the stomach or lower chest toward the neck." The following are some of the symptoms explained in detail.

 

There is a burning or stabbing sensation in the lower chest area.

There is a symptom of acid or bitter taste rising from the esophagus.

There is pain in the chest area.

It seems like something is caught in my throat.

- I often have a burning sensation in my stomach.

I frequently cough even though I don't have a cold.

I often have a hoarse voice.