Reflux is a word that is commonly used to describe the regurgitation of contents from the stomach into the esophagus. Doctors, to distinguish such reflux from others, call it gastroesophageal reflux. What are the causes and symptoms of reflux? How is acid reflux diagnosed and treated?
Refluxcan make life sick -heartburn, burning, sour taste in the mouth . Reflux needs to be treated because it can lead to esophagitis and, even worse, it can even cause cancer.
Reflux: causes
Reflux can be congenital or acquired. The causes of acquired reflux include a poor diet - fried and fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, and the abuse of mint. In addition, reflux may occur in the course of other diseases - hiatal hernia, gastric insufficiency, obesity, diabetes, pregnancy, older age, taking certain medications or smoking may also have an impact.
Reflux: ailment mechanism
Reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, which closes the food in the stomach, is weakened or relaxes abnormally at the wrong time and allows acid in the stomach to regurgitate.
Reflux: Symptoms
The most common symptoms of reflux are:
- baking
- acid belching
- pouring food
- choking
- cough
- retrosternal pain radiating to the neck and throat (imitating a heart attack).
It happens that the stomach content rises so high that you can choke on it, for example when you sleep on a flat pillow. Of course, not all of these ailments occur.
Reflux: diagnostic tests
If you have reflux symptoms at least twice a week, it's time to see your doctor. The basic examination that the doctor will order will be gastroscopy, and the next ones:
- radiological examination of the upper esophagus using contrast
- manometry
- pH-measurement.
After performing these tests, it is known whether pharmacological treatment is sufficient or whether an operation is necessary.
Reflux: treatment
Reflux requires you to change your diet to an easily digestible one - it is about avoiding foods that stimulate the production of gastric acid, and eating moresmaller meals. Medicines are also given to inhibit the production of stomach acid, as well as to improve the tone of the esophageal sphincter and protect the esophageal mucosa. Sometimes an operation, usually a laparoscopic one, is necessary to treat acid reflux disease.