Complaints such as burning in the chest, hoarseness, and cough occur as a result of the acid in the stomach contents leaking back into the esophagus. This condition, which is approximately 20% common in the population, occurs in patients with asthma. It may increase to 50%.There is a valve mechanism made of muscles at the lower end of the esophagus. This valve opens during eating and is closed at other times. But sometimes this valve becomes loose due to medications, stress, acidic foods and some diseases, and becomes unable to prevent food from flowing back into the esophagus. While it causes an increase in heartburn and throat complaints, it can also lead to more serious problems such as narrowing of the esophagus and cancer.
The most important feature of reflux is the appearance of bitter-sour water in the mouth after heavy meals. Patients often notice this themselves. The patient's history is very important in diagnosis, and sometimes methods such as endoscopy, medicated radiographs or pH monitoring can also be used.
Treatment of reflux disease (GE: gastroesophageal reflux) is mainly related to changes in lifestyle. Reflux can be kept under control by changing some habits. For example, complaints can be significantly reduced by getting rid of excess weight, staying away from smoking and alcohol, and avoiding some foods and beverages such as onions, garlic, pickles, bitters, chocolate, acidic drinks and coffee.Reflux patients generally eat and eat fast. Because there are people who swallow without chewing much; It is very important to eat food slowly and thoroughly and drink water.
If positive results cannot be obtained by correcting food habits, medications that regulate stomach acid or strengthen the esophageal valve can be used. The sleeping position can be adjusted, it is very beneficial to support the head on pillows while lying down, elevate it from the waist, and not lie down immediately after meals. Despite these, surgical methods may be useful in patients whose complaints continue or who have a hiatal hernia.
Those who have a cough that does not go away, those who have asthma that does not improve with treatment, those who have hoarseness, hoarseness and the need to clear their throat frequently, and those who have recurrent pneumonia. In cases where chest pain is present and no heart- or lung-related cause can be found, reflux should be suspected.
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