Reflux Disease

DEFINITION OF REFLUX DISEASE

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is defined as the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. It is a common disease that can be seen in 1 in every 5 people in the society. In the human stomach, especially after a meal, a strong acid and the enzymes necessary for digestion are produced. While acid and these enzymes do not cause any damage to the stomach, the esophagus is sensitive to these substances. For this reason, the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus can cause damage to this organ.

In fact, every person may experience reflux, that is, the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus from time to time, but in order to be called GERD, these reflux events may cause symptoms or complications that will disrupt the individual's quality of life. It must be opened.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF REFLUX DISEASE?

There is a valve in the muscular structure called the lower esophageal sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus. This valve is usually closed except when swallowing food items. Deterioration in the function of this valve or an increase in the number of temporary loosenings experienced during the day may result in GERD. Various factors have been identified that may trigger this increase in sphincter relaxation or dysfunction. These

• Lying down after overeating

• Obesity

• Pregnancy

• Some medications (Triskic antidepressants, antihypertensives (calcium channel blockers), etc.)

• Cigarette

• Chocolate

• Fatty foods

• Fermented alcohol products

• Sodas

 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF REFLUX DISEASE?

• Burning Sensation in the Chest (Sternum) (burning sensation just behind the bone in the front wall of the chest, called the board of faith)

• Regurgitation (stomach content coming to the mouth)

• Burning in the throat, acid in the throat

• Stomach or chest pain

• Difficulty in swallowing

• Sore throat, deepening of voice in the morning

• Unexplained cough

HOW TO DIAGNOSE REFLUX DISEASE

    Long-term reflux disease Those suffering from reflux (for 5 years or more) or individuals over the age of 40 whose reflux complaints have just begun should undergo endoscopy to diagnose the disease and make a differential diagnosis. Apart from these, endoscopy should also be performed in those with weight loss (involuntary loss of more than 10% of body weight in the last 6 months), those who have difficulty swallowing or describe painful swallowing, men with iron deficiency anemia or women with post-menopausal iron deficiency anemia, and those with a history of stomach bleeding. . Today, endoscopy is performed very comfortably for patients using a method called conscious anesthesia. Apart from this, it would be more appropriate to try medical treatment (drugs that block acid pumps in the stomach, called proton pump inhibitors) before endoscopy in young adults whose complaints have just begun.

    There may not always be findings of reflux during endoscopy. In this case, to confirm the diagnosis, the acid level (pH) at the lower end of your esophagus is measured with a device called 24-hour pHmetry, using a thin wire-like catheter, and these pH measurements are stored for 24 hours by a recording device worn on your waist.

TREATMENT OF REFLUX DISEASE

        Surgical treatment should be preferred in individuals whose GERD is well documented endoscopically or by 24-hour pHmetry, and in individuals who cannot tolerate proton pump inhibitors or do not want to use them for a long time.

WHAT ARE GERD COMPLICATIONS?

    Serious complications are not observed in the majority of GERD patients, especially in cases receiving appropriate treatment. In those with untreated and uncontrolled GERD

• Ulcers

• Stenosis in the esophagus

• Frequent pneumonia, asthma

• Structural transformation of the layer lining the surface of the esophagus, called Barrett's esophagus, similar to the intestinal tissue (observed in the small intestine) can be observed. Although rare, this complication carries the risk of turning into cancer. This risk is higher in those who have uncontrolled and untreated reflux for a long time.

ARE THERE RULES THAT A PATIENT SHOULD FOLLOW DURING GERD TREATMENT?

 &nbs p; Lifestyle changes are of great importance in the treatment of GERD. If we list these precautions

• You should not eat late at night.

• There should be at least a 3-hour period between dinner and sleep. It should be.

• Being overweight or obese, especially having a large abdominal circumference, can trigger reflux, so LOOSING WEIGHT IS IMPORTANT!!!

• Smoking should definitely be stopped.

• Sleeping on the LEFT SIDE while sleeping at night reduces reflux. It has also been shown that elevating the head of the bed reduces reflux.

• Excessive fatty, tomato paste, large volume meals should be avoided and carbonated drinks should not be consumed.

• >The person should be careful not to identify foods that touch him/her and consume them.

• While it is known that light exercises such as brisk walking are good for reflux, it should not be forgotten that heavy exercises can trigger reflux.

As a result, individuals with symptoms of reflux disease, whose prevalence in the society can reach 20%, must be examined by a gastroenterologist. It should not be forgotten that leaving reflux disease, which is a chronic disease, untreated may lead to life-threatening complications in the long term.

 

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