Introduction: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) poses a significant global health burden, necessitating effective treatment strategies. Proton pump inhibitors, particularly omeprazole, are commonly prescribed for GERD management. However, comprehensive investigations into the gastrointestinal efficacy of omeprazole, considering symptom duration, frequency, severity, and quality of life improvements, are warranted. Methodology: This randomized controlled trial aimed to systematically investigate the gastrointestinal efficacy of omeprazole in individuals diagnosed with GERD. Following CONSORT guidelines, the study enrolled 180 adult participants to evaluate how omeprazole influenced the duration, frequency, and severity of symptoms, along with its impact on health-related quality of life. Adults aged 25 to 65 with GERD were randomly assigned to either the omeprazole intervention or control group. The intervention group received a standardized daily dose of 20 mg oral omeprazole over a four-week period. Baseline characteristics, including age, gender, BMI, smoking status, comorbidities, and dietary habits, were thoroughly examined. Continuous monitoring of daily vital signs and adverse events was implemented to ensure safety and tolerability. Results: The study revealed a significantly shorter mean duration of GERD symptoms in the omeprazole group (5.2 ± 1.3 days) compared to the control group (7.8 ± 1.5 days), emphasizing the rapid relief provided by omeprazole (p < 0.001). Efficacy analysis demonstrated a remarkable reduction in symptom frequency (92% vs. 65%, p < 0.001) and severity (p < 0.001) in the omeprazole group. Health-related quality of life significantly improved in the omeprazole group, as reflected in the GERD-QOL scores (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This trial provides robust evidence supporting the gastrointestinal efficacy of omeprazole in managing GERD symptoms. The rapid relief, significant reductions in symptom frequency and severity, and improvement in health-related quality of life underscore the clinical relevance of omeprazole. The study contributes valuable insights to GERD management and informs future research directions.
Read full abstract