Reflux is a condition where stomach acid comes into the mouth. This causes a bitter and acidic taste in the mouth. When stomach acid comes out of the stomach and into the mouth, the esophagus is irritated by the acid and causes burning and pain in the stomach and throat. In gastric reflux, if the stomach is empty, stomach acid comes into the mouth; when the stomach is full, the liquid that comes into the mouth is not stomach acid but the food eaten. The esophagus and throat are irritated by the movement of stomach acid or the food that is tried to be ground in the stomach into the esophagus and throat. Then the symptoms of gastric reflux begin to appear.
Symptoms that are thought to be indicative of reflux, such as reflux, heartburn (heartburn) and gastric acid regurgitation, are very common in society. In humans, there is a high pressure area at the junction of the esophagus and stomach. It acts as a valve in normal times. In this area, there is a specialized thickening consisting of a ring-shaped suspensory muscle structure and fastener fibers. These muscles relax during swallowing, allowing the food pipe to pass into the stomach, and also open when the stomach wall is stretched with gas and liquid, allowing gas to escape (belching). Failure of this system to function causes reflux (GERD). The resistance to the reverse flow of gastric juice towards the esophagus (esophagus) is lost, backflow occurs.
What are the Symptoms of Reflux?
Gastric Reflux is one of the most common diseases among stomach diseases and is a stomach disease that manifests itself with many symptoms. Symptoms are as follows;
When symptoms are ignored;
- Achalasia (esophageal stenosis),
- diffuse
- esophageal spasm
- esophageal carcinoma
- Stenosis of the gastric outlet,
- gallstones,
- gasrtrit
- duodenal ulcer,
- It can also be seen in other diseases such as coronary heart disease.
What Causes Stomach Reflux?
Gastric reflux is a condition that occurs as a result of acid and food in the stomach escaping back into the esophagus, and various factors can contribute to this condition. We can list the causes as follows;
- Gastric reflux may occur due to unbalanced and irregular nutrition.
- Water is very important for body health. Drinking less water is a factor that causes reflux.
- Some medications used can cause gastric reflux.
- Eating habits can cause reflux. For example, excessive consumption of fast food or excessive consumption of packaged food.
- Reflux can be seen due to pregnancy. Because the pressure on the stomach can cause acid to come out of the stomach and into the mouth.
- Rapid weight gain or loss is another factor that causes reflux.
- Smoking can cause reflux because it irritates the throat, esophagus and stomach.
- Excessive consumption of caffeine-containing beverages such as tea and coffee can cause reflux.
- Gastric reflux can be seen with gastric hernia and other stomach diseases.
- Fatty, acidic and spicy foods can cause reflux.
- Apart from acidic foods, acidic drinks can also cause acid reflux.
- Lying down or lying down after eating can cause reflux.
- Doing sports or exercise immediately after eating, especially after bending movements, can cause reflux.
How is Reflux Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose reflux, the patient's history and physical examination are performed first, at this stage, the patient's symptoms and medical history are evaluated. The esophagus, stomach and duodenum are then examined by endoscopy, this method is used to see the damage caused by reflux. pH monitoring helps diagnose reflux by measuring the acid level in the esophagus, while manometry testing evaluates the muscle function of the esophagus and the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter. The barium swallow test uses a barium-containing liquid to X-ray abnormalities in the digestive tract. In addition, with the Bravo capsule pH test, acid levels are recorded over several days thanks to a small capsule inserted into the esophagus. Based on the results of these tests, the doctor diagnoses reflux and determines the appropriate treatment methods.
How is reflux treated?
Various methods are used to treat reflux and these methods usually include lifestyle changes, medication and sometimes surgical interventions:
Lifestyle Changes
Dietary Changes: Avoiding foods that cause reflux, such as acidic, spicy, fatty foods and caffeinated drinks.
Weight Control: Losing excess weight can reduce pressure on the stomach.
Raising the Head of the Bed: Raising the head of the bed to prevent nighttime reflux.
Frequent and Small Meals: Eating more frequent and smaller meals instead of large meals.
Medication Treatment
Antacids: Provides temporary relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
H2 Receptor Blockers: Reduces stomach acid production.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Reduces stomach acid production more strongly.
Surgical Intervention
Fundoplication: It is a surgical method used for patients with gastric hernia who do not respond to medication.
Endoscopic Methods: Various endoscopic procedures can be applied to reduce reflux symptoms.
These treatment methods are determined depending on the severity of the patient's reflux and how severe the symptoms are. The treatment plan must be evaluated and guided by a doctor.