Reflux esophagitis is a condition in which acid in the stomach goes back up(refluxes) into the food pipe (esophagus). Omeprazole is a very useful drugas it reduces acid production and therefore controls the symptoms ofheartburn. However, it does not decrease the amount of reflux. To reducethat you can adopt certain measures such as weight loss (in people who areobese), avoid large meals, avoid going to bed for 2 hours after a meal,avoid smoking. Use of omeprazole long-term has been found to be very safe. The alternative treatment is surgery but there is no evidence that surgery is better thanomeprazole therapy and even after surgery nearly 50% patients continue touse omeprazole albeit at a lower dose.