gastroesophageal reflux
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| gastroesophageal reflux disease |
what is gastroesophageal reflux disease?
It is a condition characterized by a burning pain occurring in the middle of the chest due to the failure of the muscular barrier between the esophagus and the stomach to close properly. The pain is caused by the backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus, and the sensation of pain increases with excessive consumption of spicy foods, hidden appetizers, caffeine-containing items like coffee, certain types of chocolate, alcohol, smoking, or aspirin intake.
For prevention:
Preventing acid reflux involves relieving life stresses and consuming light meals at intermittent intervals. Avoid lying down immediately after eating, and when sleeping, elevate the head above the level of the rest of the body.
Prevention of acid reflux can also be achieved by following some medical advice, such as:
- Avoiding sleeping right after eating.
- Sleeping on a raised pillow to slightly elevate the upper part of the body, thereby avoiding acid reflux.
- Avoiding eating late at night.
- Avoiding fatty meals and oily foods that increase stomach acid secretion.
- Avoiding foods containing a large amount of spicy spices.
- Consuming vegetables and fruits, and drinking adequate amounts of water.
- Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to smoke.
- Avoiding strenuous activities immediately after eating.
- Maintaining weight within the normal range.
acid reflux causes
Gastroesophageal reflux is caused by a disturbance in the stomach valve that prevents acid from flowing back upwards. There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux, including:- Advancing age
- Smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Obesity
- Pregnancy, with 40-85% of pregnant women experiencing reflux
- Hiatal hernia
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Eating large meals regularly
- Certain unhealthy habits, such as consuming foods that increase stomach acid, or eating late at night before lying down or sleeping.
Taking certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, some asthma medications, calcium channel blockers, histamine blockers, sedatives, and antidepressants, can also contribute to reflux.
Examples of foods that can cause acid reflux include:
- High-fat foods, such as fried foods and fast food- Spicy foods
- Some fruits and vegetables, like pineapples, tomatoes, and citrus fruits
- Certain liquids, like tea, carbonated beverages, and coffee, especially on an empty stomach, leading to increased acid secretion from the stomach.
gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms
Among the most common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are increased stomach acidity, with a severe burning sensation in the stomach and esophagus that may radiate to the chest, neck, and throat. This can be accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the back of the mouth, regurgitation of food or liquid from the stomach to the mouth, and may last up to 2 hours. Symptoms typically worsen after eating, lying down, or bending over. It is worth noting that it is possible to experience reflux without acidity.
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux also include:
- Sensation of a lump in the back of the throat
- Chronic cough
- Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
- Halitosis
- Enamel erosion in the teeth
- Nausea
- Difficulty breathing
Severe and acute symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux also include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain when swallowing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Bleeding
gastroesophageal reflux treatment
Pharmacological Treatment:
Traditional treatment with acid suppressants, including liquids such as Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac, which are commonly used. There are also effervescent tablets sold in cola or fruit flavors containing calcium hydroxide, magnesium, and sodium bicarbonate.
Some of the medications used in the treatment of acid reflux include:- Histamine-2 receptor antagonists, which reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
- Proton pump inhibitors, such as Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole, and Omeprazole, which aid in healing the lining of the esophagus.
- Medications that help empty the stomach faster, such as Erythromycin.
Herbal treatment:
Ginger:Ginger contains several anti-spasmodic compounds that relieve the stomach, intestines, and involuntary muscles in the esophagus and the muscular barrier. It is also beneficial in cases of nausea and increased acidity. Shop Ginger Products on Amazon
Peppermint:Peppermint, or peppermint, is widely used in all cases of digestive disorders. It has been used since the days of the ancient Egyptians in these cases. Peppermint leaves are collected and made into an herbal drink to be consumed when experiencing symptoms of reflux, vomiting desire, chest pain, heartburn, indigestion, and poor digestion. Shop Peppermint Products on Amazon.
Angelica:Angelica oil is considered very useful in cases of esophageal reflux. Juice can be made from its green leaves or an herbal drink can be made from its dried leaves and consumed after meals. Shop Angelica Products on Amazon
Chamomile:Chamomile is very beneficial in all cases of stomach fatigue as it is a general soother for the stomach wall, thereby reducing its acidity, which is the main cause of reflux when any defect occurs in the valve below the esophagus. Shop Chamomile Products on Amazon
Licorice:Licorice extract, devoid of glycyrrhizin, treats esophageal acid reflux, stomach ulcers, and acidity. Licorice is also an anti-spasmodic that helps soothe the stomach and prevent it from pumping acids towards the esophagus. Licorice is used as a warm or cold herbal tea. Shop Licorice Products on AmazonShop Licorice Products on Amazon