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The medications we use to treat acid reflux are very effective. There is a very small percentage of people who continue to experience acid reflux even with the medications. However there is a group of patients who have symptoms suggestive of reflux and yet there is no increased acid present. These patients may be refluxing bile that is produced by the liver and pancreatic secretions from the pancreas. This is a very difficult diagnosis to make. Medical treatment of this group may also be difficult and a foam barrier and prokinetic drugs may be helpful. Sometimes more than one drug may be necessary to threat this problem. Some people may also experience hypersensitivity of the esophagus to normal amounts of acid or contractions of the esophageal wall. This is called visceral hypersensitivitiy. Stress may be a contributing factor to esophageal visceral hypersensitivity. A certain class of antidepressants called tricyclic antidepressants which alter the way the brain perceives painful stimuli may be of value in these situations.
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Important: This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician.