• Response to treatment with pantoprazole at week 4, as measured by the questionnaire ReQuest™ [ Time Frame: 4 and 8 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
• Investigator assessment [ Time Frame: 4 and 8 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
• Safety and efficacy [ Time Frame: 4 and 8 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]

• Response to treatment with pantoprazole at week 4, as measured by the questionnaire ReQuest™
• investigator assessment
• safety and efficacy.

The aim of the present study is to identify factors (such as symptom patterns and symptom scores) that influence the response to treatment with pantoprazole using different evaluation methods (e.g., ReQuest™ questionnaire, patient and investigator assessment). Pantoprazole will be administered once daily in the morning at one dose level. The study duration consists of a treatment period of 8 weeks. The study will provide further data on safety and tolerability of pantoprazole.

Main Inclusion Criteria:

• Written informed consent
• Outpatients of at least 18 years (21 years in Argentina)
• Patient considered to have GERD symptoms

Main Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute peptic ulcer and/or ulcer complications
• Systemic glucocorticoids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including COX-2-inhibitors (> 5 days on demand but not more than 3 consecutive days) during the last 28 days before study start (except regular intake of acetylsalicylic acid at a dose up to 163 mg/day)
• Intake of proton pump inhibitors during the last 10 days before study start
• Female patients of childbearing potential not using adequate means of birth control
• Pregnant or breast-feeding females