- Watch the following video and see how reflux happens:
- How to know if I have reflux
- How is the treatment for reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux is the return of stomach contents into the esophagus and into the mouth, causing pain and inflammation. This happens when the muscle that is supposed to prevent stomach acid from leaving the stomach does not work properly.
The degree of inflammation caused in the esophagus by reflux depends on the acidity of the stomach contents and the amount of acid that comes in contact with the esophageal mucosa, which can cause a disease called esophagitis, because the stomach lining protects you from the effects of your acids themselves, but the esophagus does not have these characteristics, suffering an uncomfortable burning sensation, called heartburn.
The force of gravity contributes to reflux when the individual remains lying down, or in situations of obesity where abdominal fat puts pressure on the stomach and facilitates gastroesophageal reflux.
Watch the following video and see how reflux happens:
How to know if I have reflux
The diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease is made based on the symptoms and history presented by the patient, but it can also be complemented with tests, such as:
- X-ray, to observe the movements of the esophagus; Measurement of the pH in 24 hours that relates the symptoms presented with changes in the acidity of gastric juice to determine the number of times that reflux occurs; Reflux scintigraphy.
The most suitable doctor to diagnose and treat reflux is the gastroenterologist, who should be sought in case of suspicion.
How is the treatment for reflux
Treatment for reflux can be done with simple measures, such as eating properly or using drugs like domperidone, which speed up gastric emptying, omeprazole or esomeprazole, which reduce the amount of acid in the stomach or antacids, which neutralize the acidity already present in the stomach. See the most used remedies to treat gastroesophageal reflux.
Dietary changes in gastroesophageal reflux disease are necessary, but they must be adapted to drug treatment and also personalized. Generally, the person with reflux should eliminate or reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages, foods high in fat, such as fried foods and processed products and chocolate, in addition to avoiding cigarettes and soft drinks. In addition, the last meal of the day should be eaten at least 3 hours before bedtime, to prevent the stomach contents from returning to the mouth.
In more severe cases, surgery may also be necessary.
