Prognosis

Most patients respond to treatment with proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). Maintenance PPI therapy is recommended for those who have symptoms when the PPI is discontinued, as well as for those with erosive esophagitis and Barrett esophagus.​[1]​

Most patients relapse if PPI therapy is stopped. However, attempts to stop or reduce the dose to the minimum necessary to maintain symptomatic control should always be pursued.[67]

Esophageal adenocarcinoma may be a serious though rare complication of GERD. When stricture, Barrett metaplasia, or adenocarcinoma are absent in the setting of a healed mucosa at initial endoscopy, the risk for development of adenocarcinoma is about 0.1% at 7 years' follow-up.[3]

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