How will I know if the GERD treatment is working?
Setting goals for treatment helps you judge if it is successful. The overall goals for GERD therapy are:
- to reduce or end GERD symptoms
- to heal any damage that reflux caused to the tissues lining the esophagus
- to manage or prevent any conditions that can arise as GERD gets worse - for example, Barrett's esophagus
- to keep symptoms from returning
In general, once you begin treatment, your symptoms should become less frequent and less severe within 8 to 12 weeks. If you don't notice any change, tell your doctor.
Remember, if the first treatment you and your doctor choose doesn't work, it can be changed. There are many effective treatments available.