Controversial issues in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has advanced dramatically in the past 20 years because of increased understanding of its pathophysiology and improvements in available treatments. A number of important new ideas arousing controversy include the place of over-the-counter H2 receptor antagonists; the role of endoscopy in diagnosis of reflux symptoms; initial treatment options with regard to stepping up therapy to the most …