Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital General Surgery Specialist Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Murat KOCA said that the disease, whose medical name is "GERD" and known as reflux in the society, is widely seen in the society.

Heartburn should be taken into consideration

Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Murat KOCA stated that there is no universally accepted definition of reflux (GERD) disease and said, "Defining the disease according to its symptoms is the simplest approach. However, symptoms that are thought to be indicators of reflux, such as heartburn and acid reflux, are very common in the society and many people consider them normal and do not seek medical help."

May be a symptom of other diseases

Pointing out that these symptoms can also be seen in other diseases such as esophageal stricture, diffuse esophageal spasm, esophageal carcinoma, gastric outlet stenosis, gallstones, gastritis, duodenal ulcer, coronary heart disease, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Murat KOCA warned, "Therefore, examination and examination are very important for diagnosis when these symptoms and complaints are seen."

Reduces quality of life

In the study on the night symptoms of reflux disease, Özer pointed out that about 1 in 5 of the society has heartburn and heartburn at night at least once a week and said, "80% of those with heartburn have complaints at night, 65% have complaints both day and night. 63% report that falling asleep and the next day's work are affected. 72% take prescription medication. About half (45%) report that current treatments do not relieve all symptoms."

Problem in the system causes reflux

Stating that there is a high pressure area at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, and that this area acts as a valve in normal times, Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Murat KOCA said, "In this area, there is a specialized thickening consisting of ring-shaped suspension muscle structure and fastener fibers. These muscles relax during swallowing, allowing the food pipe to pass into the stomach; in addition, when the stomach wall is stretched with gas and liquid, it allows the gas to come out (belching). Failure of this system to function causes GERD. Loss of resistance to the reverse flow of gastric juice into the esophagus. According to the Intestinal Law, the flow is from the mouth to the anus," he said.

Overeating causes stretching of the stomach walls

Stating that delayed gastric emptying due to overeating and high-fat dietary habits causes stretching of the stomach walls, Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Murat KOCA said, "This stretching causes the valve to fail to close by the enlarged stomach walls and results in the victimization of the esophagus to gastric fluid. Repeated exposure causes inflammation and structural changes in the stomach entrance. Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) and carditis occur. The patient tries to compensate for this by increasing swallowing, and to soothe the discomfort caused by reflux by neutralizing the salivary fluid that escapes back into the stomach. Increased swallowing results in swallowing air, abdominal distension and belching. This situation creates a vicious cycle by increasing the exposure and repetitive damage of the esophagus by increasing stomach stretching."

Do not eat before going to sleep

Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Murat KOCA also listed the measures to avoid reflux as follows:
"Raising the head of the bed,
Avoid wearing body-hugging clothes,
Eat little and often,
Avoiding eating shortly before bedtime,
Avoid depressurizing foods such as alcohol, coffee, chocolate.
We should not fill our stomachs in the evening!"

Reflux is a chronic disease

Stating that the cause of reflux should be fully investigated and treatment should be done for the cause, Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Murat KOCA said, "Secretion-reducing drugs, antacids, control and follow-up are very important in mild cases without complications. Reflux is now considered the cause of the majority of esophageal diseases. It is a chronic disease. When medical treatment is necessary, this treatment lasts a lifetime. Recent efforts in the development of various endoscopic anti-reflux interventions, while groundbreaking, have not shown lasting success in controlling reflux. Anti-reflux surgery is an effective and long-term treatment and the only approach that can repair the gastroesophageal valve."