Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux is a condition in which the contents of the stomach are thrown back into the esophagus as a result of a permanent or occasional disruption of the normal mechanisms that prevent this process.

With normal functioning of the esophagus and stomach, the contents of the stomach (acid, digestive enzymes) should not enter the esophagus and cause irritation of its mucous membrane. However, with reflux, regurgitation (throwing) of stomach contents into the esophagus occurs due to weakening of the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter and disruption of the cleansing (peristaltic) function of the esophagus.

Reflux can lead to esophagitis - inflammation of the esophageal mucosa. Esophagitis is manifested by heartburn, pain and discomfort in the chest, especially after eating. With a long course of the disease, the development of Barrett's esophagus and even adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is possible.

Therefore, it is important to promptly diagnose and treat gastroesophageal reflux to prevent the development of complications.

Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux: causes, symptoms and treatment

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a digestive disorder in which stomach contents flow back into the esophagus due to a disruption in the body's defense mechanisms. This condition can cause the development of esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus, and has a potentially negative impact on the patient's overall health and quality of life.

The esophagus is the tube that connects the larynx to the stomach, and its main function is to move food from the pharynx to the stomach. Typically, the lower esophageal sphincter, located at the junction from the esophagus to the stomach, prevents stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. However, with gastroesophageal reflux, this sphincter does not function properly, allowing acid and food matter to return to the esophagus.

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of gastroesophageal reflux. One of them is increased pressure in the stomach, which can be caused by obesity or pregnancy. Another factor is damage or weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter, which can occur due to a hiatal hernia or certain medical procedures. Certain foods and drinks, such as chocolate, coffee, citrus fruits and tomatoes, may also contribute to gastroesophageal reflux.

Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux may include a bitter taste in the mouth, heartburn, chest pressure or pain, frequent coughing, trouble swallowing, and chronic poor voice communication. However, some patients may have subtle or atypical symptoms, such as asthma, chronic cough, or trouble sleeping.

Treatment for gastroesophageal reflux includes lifestyle changes, drug therapy and, in some cases, surgery. Patients suffering from this disorder are often advised to avoid foods and drinks that promote reflux, control weight, not eat before bed, avoid wearing tight clothing, elevate their head when sleeping, avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption. In some cases, your doctor may recommend medications that reduce stomach acid or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter. If conservative methods are ineffective, surgery such as a Nissen fundoplication may be necessary to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent backflow of stomach contents.

It is important to see your doctor if you have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, especially if they recur or significantly affect your life. Your doctor will be able to diagnose and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your condition.

In conclusion, gastroesophageal reflux is a disorder in which stomach contents flow back into the esophagus due to disruption of the body's normal defense mechanisms. This condition can cause the development of esophagitis and have a negative impact on the patient's health and quality of life. Early consultation with a doctor, adherence to lifestyle changes, and appropriate treatment can help control symptoms and improve the patient's condition.

Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux: causes, symptoms and treatment

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a condition in which stomach contents back up into the esophagus, causing various symptoms and complications. This problem occurs because the mechanisms that prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus do not work properly.

During normal functioning of the digestive system, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a circular muscle located at the bottom of the esophagus, must be closed during digestion to prevent the backflow of stomach contents. However, in people with GER reflux, this sphincter does not function properly, allowing acid and food from the stomach to rise back up into the esophagus.

The reasons for the development of reflux GER can be varied. Some of them include:

1. Weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter: This can be due to various factors, such as increased abdominal pressure, obesity, pregnancy, or certain medical conditions.
2. Delayed gastric emptying: If food is retained in the stomach for a long time, there is a greater risk of stomach contents flowing back into the esophagus.
3. Increased stomach acid: Some people have increased stomach acid, which increases the likelihood of GER reflux.
4. Hiatal Hernia: This is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach protrudes through a hole in the diaphragm, which can allow stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.

Symptoms of GER reflux can range from mild to more severe. Some of the most common symptoms include heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest), acid taste in the mouth, regurgitation (backflow of food or acid in the mouth), frequent or recurring sore throat, cough, trouble swallowing, etc. If reflux GER persists undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to the development of esophagitis - inflammation of the esophagus.

Treatment for GER reflux is aimed at relieving symptoms, reducing the backflow of stomach contents, and preventing complications. In most cases, lifestyle and diet changes can help manage GER reflux symptoms. Here are some recommendations:

1. Lifestyle changes:

   1. Avoid overeating and putting unnecessary pressure on your stomach. Eat food in small portions.
   2. Avoid eating 2-3 hours before bedtime. Elevate your head and upper torso when sleeping with the help of pillows or an inclined bed.
   3. Avoid consuming foods and drinks that may contribute to reflux, such as spicy and fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks.
   4. Remember to engage in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight.

2. Diet change:

   1. Increase your intake of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
   2. Limit your intake of foods that may cause reflux, such as sour fruits, tomatoes, onions, garlic, hot peppers and mint products.
   3. Avoid alcohol and caffeine if possible.
   4. Consider adding probiotics to your diet, as they may promote digestive health.

3. Medical treatment:

   1. In cases of more severe symptoms or complications of GER reflux, your doctor may prescribe medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PrIN), which reduce the level of acid in the stomach, or antacids, which temporarily reduce acidity.
   2. In some cases, surgery may be required to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter or remove a hiatal hernia.

Gastroesophageal reflux is a common problem, but with proper management and treatment, most people can manage this condition and improve their quality of life. If you have symptoms associated with GER reflux, see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment recommendations best suited to your individual case.

Gastroenteropathic reflux, or reflux esophagitis, is a chronic, recurrent inflammation of the mucous membrane of the distal esophagus and submucosa (oropharynx), caused by repeated reflux of duodenal contents, along the way from the stomach, into the proximal esophagus. The reflux of the secretory fluid of the stomach into the esophageal cardiac bursae occurs regularly or periodically. The frequency and intensity of episodes of reflux of gastric contents into the esophageal lumen depend on the motor function of the gastroduodenal zone with a decrease in the tone of the cardiac sphincter or damage to the sphincter attachment zone

Reflux esophagitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the lower esophagus, caused by the reflux of stomach contents (sometimes with bile) into it due to relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which controls the release of contents from the stomach into it. In children and adolescents, this process may be associated with the characteristics of metabolism and maturation of the body. GERD can develop at any age, including in infants - the baby swallows milk and gastric contents.

Symptoms of GERD largely depend on the location of the disease. In the absence of complications, heartburn occurs several times a week and disappears after taking antacids or