Paper II
2025 March (Supplementary (SAY)) (2019 Scheme) · 100 marks · 180 min

Question

Patient: Mr. John Taylor, a 45-year-old man presents with the chief complaint: Severe heartburn and regurgitation of food after meals, especially at night. Medical History: Overweight (BMI: 29), Occasional alcohol use. No known drug allergies. Presenting Symptoms: Heartburn and acid regurgitation after meals for the past 3 months. Symptoms are worse when lying down, particularly at night. Difficulty swallowing at times. Has been self-medicating with over-the-counter antacids but reports no significant relief. Physical Examination: Normal vital signs, No signs of systemic illness, abdominal tenderness or masses and not anaemic. Diagnosis: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Mr. Taylor’s symptoms are poorly controlled with over-the-counter antacids. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in his treatment

  • a) Increase the dose of antacids
  • c) Prescribe a prokinetic agent
  • b) Start a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
  • d) Recommend a high-fiber diet
Qxii1 marksMCQs (Case)

Answer

Correct answer: b) Start a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)

When symptoms are poorly controlled with over-the-counter antacids, escalating to a proton pump inhibitor is the appropriate next step — PPIs provide substantially more potent and durable acid suppression than antacids, which only offer brief symptomatic neutralization and do not address the underlying excess acid exposure driving this patient’s ongoing symptoms and dysphagia.

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