A small study is showing that longer, more comprehensive interactions often found with complementary or alternative care may result in increased symptom relief from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when compared to conventional medical visits.

It is estimated that GERD affects anywhere from 20-40 percent of adults in western countries. Various pharmaceuticals and or nutritional supplements can be offered and now possibly the visit itself can be a form of therapy.

Twenty-four adults were enrolled and were assigned to either a “conventional” or an “alternative” style of questioning for their symptoms. Physical exams were consistent between groups and then one of three treatments was given. Treatment groups were randomized to receive either Adicil, a homeopathic, or a placebo. All participants kept a log of their symptoms and at the end of the study a symptom questionnaire was completed similar to that at the onset of the study. Overall, participants in the groups receiving a more “alternative” or extended physician visit reported greater symptom improvement than those in the more “conventional” approach visit.

This is a good start into exploring other benefits of a complementary patient-physician interaction. If we are seeing differences with GERD symptoms then there are bound to be similar cases and health concerns where this vital interaction plays a beneficial role.

Massachusetts General Hospital. (2015, October 1). Aspects of patient/physician interaction may help alleviate heartburn symptoms. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 20, 2015 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151001094713.htm