Oesophageal pressure testing or manometry measures how the muscles of the oesophagus work. This information is sometimes useful in people with reflux symptoms. There are several types of medication that prevent reflux symptoms and heal oesophagitis. These usually need to be taken regularly rather than only when you get your symptoms. Muscular stimulants, such as cisapride, aim to tighten the sphincter and improve the return of refluxed juices back to the stomach.
Medication can relieve symptoms and heal oesophagitis in almost everyone.
In some people several adjustments to treatment may be needed. Medication has no permanent effect on the abnormalities that cause reflux. Thus it usually recurs if treatment is stopped. Recurrent reflux problems can usually be prevented by continuous medication. The merits of these two choices should be discussed with your doctor.