- Patients will be excluded if they are < 18 or > 70 years old, are pregnant, have a medical contraindication for esomeprazole therapy, have already been empirically treated with an antireflux regimen, report a history of peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal surgery, or are unwilling or unable to provide informed consent. In addition, patients who are unable to fully complete all stages of the study will be excluded.