Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach acid or digestive juices flow back into the esophagus, causing inflammation of the esophagus. Patients will feel a burning sensation in the middle of their chest, sour burps, and nausea.
One of the main causes comes from improper eating habits and the fast-paced lifestyle in today’s society. If the symptoms are left to become chronic and treated incorrectly, it can lead to esophagitis, esophageal ulcers, or esophageal stenosis, which may increase the risk of esophageal cancer, even though the chances of it occurring are not very high.
Causes of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is caused by a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, which allows stomach acid or digestive juices to flow back up into the esophagus, irritating the esophageal wall.
In addition, daily behaviors or certain diseases can stimulate the esophagus to function abnormally or cause the stomach to secrete more acid, such as:
- Go to bed immediately after eating.
- Smoking
- Drink soft drinks or alcohol
- Eat a large amount of food at one meal
- Is obesity
- In pregnancy
All of these behaviors also make it easier for acid reflux to occur.
Symptoms of acid reflux
People with acid reflux often experience the following symptoms:
- Feeling of tightness in the epigastric region
- Frequent burning pain in the chest
- I have a feeling of fullness similar to indigestion.
- Frequent burping
- squeamish
- There is sour or bitter-tasting fluid flowing back into the mouth and throat.
- Difficulty swallowing
In some chronic cases, other symptoms may also occur, such as chronic coughing, constant throat irritation, hoarseness, or tooth decay.
Important signs of acid reflux that require a visit to your doctor
Anyone who finds that they are beginning to have symptoms of acid reflux or who has tried acid reflux medication but their symptoms have not improved should see a doctor for an early examination, especially those who also have chest pain, shortness of breath, arm pain, and jaw pain.
Diagnosis of Acid Reflux
Doctors will diagnose acid reflux in general cases based on the patient’s history and symptoms. However, doctors may consider other special tests if the cause is not clear or the symptoms are not clear, such as gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal motility test, gastrointestinal system examination, etc.
Treatment of acid reflux
Lifestyle changes may help alleviate symptoms, such as eating the right amount of food, maintaining a normal weight, and avoiding going to bed immediately after eating.
In addition, in some cases, it may be necessary to use medications together, such as antacids , H2 Blockers, and Proton Pump Inhibitors, which are both drugs that patients can buy themselves and drugs that must be used under the supervision of a doctor only. The doctor will consider the type of drug as appropriate.
If treatment with lifestyle changes and medication is ineffective, the doctor may consider surgical repair of the esophageal sphincter muscle, or in cases where the patient is overweight, the doctor may consider weight loss surgery.
Complications of acid reflux
Acid reflux often affects daily life because the acid’s effect irritates the esophagus and respiratory organs, making it difficult to swallow, causing pain or bleeding in the esophagus. It may also cause esophageal stenosis, which may trigger asthma and chronic coughing. There is also a risk of esophageal cancer due to changes in the cells in the esophagus. However, at present, it is still rare.
Prevention of acid reflux
Adjust your eating habits to be on time, try to avoid factors in your daily life that trigger this condition as much as possible, including taking care of your health to be strong, which may help reduce the chances of acid reflux.
