Acid reflux. Unexpected Acid Reflux Symptoms

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Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) is a condition of reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus against the physiological direction of movement of digestive secretions.

For the esophagus, the acidic environment of the stomach is aggressive, causing damage to the epithelium and the development of inflammation. IN normal conditions The esophagus is closed by the lower esophageal sphincter from the stomach, which relaxes when food or liquid is swallowed. Under pathological conditions, disturbances in the tone of the esophagus and its insufficient closure may occur, which creates the preconditions for the reflux of stomach contents into the esophageal cavity. Through action hydrochloric acid and active enzymes, the walls of the esophagus are damaged - a burning sensation and pain behind the sternum, heartburn occurs. Regular occurrence of heartburn and reflux is considered gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Reasons

One of the most common reasons acid reflux consider pathology of the stomach, esophagus, and neurological disorders.

In the development of acid reflux, there are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease. These include:

• overeating with overstretching of the stomach walls;
• lying down after a heavy meal with a change in the position of the stomach;
• plenty of food at night, before bedtime;
• eating while lying down;
• abuse of citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, garlic and onions, spicy, fatty foods;
• pregnancy;
• smoking;
• taking muscle relaxants;
• taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, blood pressure medications.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of acid reflux are formed due to the reflux of acidic stomach contents and irritation of the walls of the esophagus. These include:

• heartburn, burning behind the sternum, feeling of heat and discomfort along the esophagus, up to the throat and mouth;
• a feeling of bitterness or acidity in the mouth due to regurgitation;
• , belching;
• feeling of difficulty swallowing solid or liquid food ();
• bouts of hiccups;
• nausea;
• weight loss;
• melena or black stool (cases of bleeding from the walls of the esophagus);
• , attacks of dry cough, chronic.

Diagnostic methods

The basis of diagnosis is the presence of typical complaints, the diagnosis is supplemented by instrumental studies:

• endoscopy of the esophagus and stomach with detection of erosions and inflammation in lower third esophagus;
• esophageal manometry (determining the contractility of the lower third of the esophagus);
• transesophageal pH-metry of the esophagus with determination of the composition of gastric juice during the day;
• a biopsy of the esophagus is necessary to determine the extent of the lesion, possible infection or malignant degeneration;
• X-ray examination with barium suspension, determination of the condition of the esophagus.

Treatment methods

Treatment consists of three successive stages:

• following a diet and changing lifestyle, avoiding stimulating foods and drinks, quitting smoking, changing sleeping position;
• drug therapy, prescription of heartburn medications, antacids that neutralize excess acid in the stomach. Film preparations are also used that create a membrane in the stomach that prevents reflux. The prescription is supplemented with antagonists histamine receptors– they block the secretion of acid by stomach cells. Proton pump inhibitors are used and they also block the production of acid by the stomach. Sometimes drugs that regulate gastric motility are prescribed, accelerating the passage of food from the stomach to the intestines;
• If they are ineffective, it is indicated surgical treatment reflux – fundoplication, plastic surgery of the gastric inlet or surgery to suture a hiatal hernia.

The prognosis for timely recognition of the disease is favorable. In advanced cases it is possible scar strictures esophagus.

Acid reflux, also sometimes known as heartburn, is common medical problem, which occurs when stomach acid penetrates the esophagus. Sufferers often feel a burning sensation deep in the chest, which can travel down to their throat.

The condition does not actually affect the heart, although people often feel highest pressure right in this area of ​​the chest.

There are a few different reasons, but most are diet related; Highly acidic foods are some of the worst culprits, as are foods that are particularly spicy or difficult to digest. Sometimes factors such as weight can also be taken into account, and those most often affected are those who are overweight, obese or pregnant.

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Reflux that is constant or occurs frequently may be the result of gastrointestinal disorder. Anyone who is worried about specific symptoms or problems, it usually makes sense to speak with a qualified medical expert to find out the cause of the problem.

Digestion Basics

Human digestion is complex process, which depends on a number of different moving parts. Food usually enters through the mouth, where saliva begins to break it down; From there, it travels down the throat, into the esophagus, and finally down into the stomach, where most of the churning and breaking down of particles occurs. The stomach uses a lot of quite aggressive acids to break down food into useful components, and they can damage other more sensitive tissues. Most healthy people There is a valve or flap known as Lowe's esophageal sphincter (LES) that keeps stomach acid out of the esophagus once digestion has begun.

When the LES relaxes, food and acid can leak into the esophagus. In turn, the acid leakage causes irritation or burning, which is collectively known as acid reflux. Although this is inconvenient, the problem usually does not last long. Secondary peristalsis, which is the movement of the esophagus caused by swallowing, pushes about 90% of the food and acid back into the stomach, usually within an hour or so. In most cases the LES closes again for normal digestion, and the remaining 10% of food and acid remaining in the esophagus is usually neutralized by saliva.

Main causes of reflux

Diet is the most common cause. Big receptions foods that are fatty or very spicy foods, as well as products with naturally high content acids can be triggers, and factors such as meal timing can also influence this. People who eat large meals before bed are more likely to experience reflux, for example, because lying down usually makes digestion more difficult and can also make LES closure more vulnerable. People with overweight sometimes also exposed greater risk, and many pregnant women experience heartburn, especially in the last trimester. Uneven weight distribution can put pressure on the stomach and lead to increased acid leakage.

Recurring problems and root causes

In most cases, reflux occurs sporadically and does not always have an identifiable underlying cause. However, for others the problem may be more or less permanent. Some patients experience heartburn after eating almost nothing. In these cases, the condition is often part of a larger problem known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

GERD can be caused by many various factors. Some of the most common include short-term LES relaxation, decreased tone LES rest, impaired esophageal clearance, delayed gastric emptying, decreased salivation and impaired tissue resistance. This is often due to an inherited defect in the esophagus, although people who have suffered trauma and trauma may experience digestive problems as a side effect.

Treatment options and getting help

Treatment for acid reflux usually begins with determining the cause. Taking a mild antacid is often effective, especially for people whose reflux flare-ups occur only sporadically. Many people believe that eating soft foods such as regular bread or crackers after meals can also prevent worst symptoms. Those who primarily experience flare-ups at night may sometimes find relief by lightly propping up their beds to elevate the torso and encourage downward digestion; This special remedy usually recommended for newborns, many of whom experience reflux in the first months of life before the esophagus is fully developed.

Patients with GERD often find pharmaceutical regimens helpful. Row various medications was designed to help calm acid regurgitation and promote proper digestive function. In extreme cases, surgery to repair or strengthen the esophagus may also be recommended, but this is usually a last resort.

Natural Acid Reflux Cures, Causes, Home Remedies.

Some people often experience the problem of acid reflux, when acid from the stomach flows back into the esophagus. This can eventually lead to the formation of scar tissue and cause swallowing problems.

Acid reflux is commonly known as reflux esophagitis. There is inflammation of the esophagus caused by regurgitation of stomach contents. It is generally recognized as the main symptom of “heartburn”. It is also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. The name "reflux" or "reflux esophagitis" is also its most common name. At some point, almost everyone experiences this problem in their life. To check the status gastric tract modern medicine uses various methods, such as endoscopy and gastroscopy of the stomach without swallowing a probe, which is much more comfortable for the patient than the first method using a tube.

Causes of acid reflux

There are various reasons acid reflux. The most common cause of heartburn or acid reflux includes:

1. alcohol
2. smoking
3. frequent consumption of fatty, fried foods
4. drinking a lot of carbonated drinks such as soda
5. eating large meals
6. slow gastric emptying
7. eating before bed
8. voltage
9. increased hormone levels during pregnancy

It is not necessary that you may experience acid reflux symptoms after every meal or every day. Symptoms may disappear for a few weeks and then eventually return. Some of the common symptoms of acid reflux include:

1. nausea
2. regurgitation
3. heartburn
4. odynophagia or dysphagia
5. breathing problems
6. some oral symptoms

There are some popular natural medicines, which are very effective against acid reflux.

1. Apple cider vinegar is considered one of the best natural medicines for acid reflux. To get best result, take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and mix it with a glass of water, drink it all with your meal. Diluted apple cider vinegar It has a calming effect on your stomach and also reduces its production of digestive fluids.

2. One of the most powerful natural medicines for acid reflux is cinnamon. It helps the stomach control the production of stomach acid and also normalizes stomach activity. Cinnamon is known for its antiseptic effect as well as its healing properties.

3. Increase your consumption of fruits such as grapefruits, bananas. Dried figs and fresh papaya work great too. These fruits are rich in enzymes and are very useful in the digestion process. Increase your consumption of vegetables as they are a source of vitamins and minerals.





Illustration of a human stomach.In acid reflux, stomach acid travels from the stomach into the esophagus.

Today, many people are interested in the question of what acid reflux is. Unfortunately, this disorder is considered quite common. So why does it happen? What symptoms does it accompany? Which effective methods are there treatments?

What is acid reflux?

Severe heartburn, chest pain - many patients turn to the doctor with these complaints. And after examination and diagnosis, many patients develop additional questions about what acid reflux is.

It's no secret that the presence there creates an acidic environment. Gastric juice is aggressive for the esophagus. Therefore, normally these two sections are delimited by the lower esophageal sphincter, which ensures the unidirectional movement of food masses.

In some cases, there is a violation of the normal tone of the sphincter. As a result, the reverse reflux of food from the stomach into the esophagus is possible. This is how the condition known in medicine as esophageal-gastric reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, develops.

Main causes of violation

In most cases the reasons similar violation are pathological changes stomach and esophagus. In addition, the same symptoms are accompanied. In some cases, reverse reflux of gastric contents into the lumen of the esophagus is associated with neurological diseases.

On the other hand, there are some risk factors, the presence of which increases the likelihood of developing acid reflux. First of all, to the list possible reasons worth turning on Not proper nutrition. For example, quite often reflux is associated with constant overeating, which causes overstretching of the stomach walls. Negative at work digestive system Affected by heavy consumption of food at night, the habit of lying down after eating, as well as the abuse of foods such as tomatoes, garlic, chocolate, citrus fruits, onions, spicy, fatty and fried foods. Naturally, obesity is also a risk factor.

Statistics show that today many pregnant women are interested in the question of what acid reflux is. After all, the growing fetus causes displacement internal organs, which often leads to the return of food. Smoking and alcohol abuse are also risk factors. In some cases, reflux develops while taking muscle relaxants, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Acid reflux: symptoms

Undoubtedly, gastric juice has an extremely aggressive effect on the walls of the esophagus, damaging them, which leads to unpleasant sensations. The main symptoms of reflux include persistent heartburn, as well as a feeling of acidity or bitterness in the mouth. Many patients also complain of a feeling of heat and discomfort along the esophagus. Patients often experience attacks of nausea and hiccups.

Due to power problems, it is possible sudden loss weight. Violated normal process swallowing liquid and solid food. Patients often report abdominal bloating and unpleasant belching. The presence of melena or black stool indicates bleeding from the walls of the esophagus. Because of constant heartburn are developing chronic pain in the throat. Signs of reflux also include a dry cough and shortness of breath.

Modern diagnostic methods

Of course, at the slightest deterioration in health, you should consult a specialist. Only a doctor can diagnose acid reflux. The patient’s symptoms and complaints should suggest the presence of such a disorder, but in the future it is necessary accurate diagnosis which will help determine the severity of the disease, the cause of its development and the extent of damage digestive tract.

In particular, endoscopy of the esophagus and stomach is performed first. During the examination, you can notice the presence of inflammation and erosive areas in the lower part of the esophagus. Subsequently, its manometry is performed, which makes it possible to assess the contractility of its wall. It is also important to determine the acidity of gastric juice. using contrast agent(barium suspension) makes it possible to assess the condition of the walls of the esophagus. In some cases, the patient is additionally prescribed a biopsy. Such a study helps to assess the extent of the lesion, determine the presence of infection of the damaged areas, and also calculate the risk of malignant tissue degeneration.

What treatments are used?

Of course, only a doctor can diagnose acid reflux. Treatment in this case is selected individually depending on the causes and severity of the patient’s condition, as well as the degree of damage to the walls of the esophagus.

First of all, the doctor will prescribe drugs that neutralize the effects of hydrochloric acid. In particular, patients take antacid medications for heartburn (Alugastrin, Gasterin, Rennie, Tums), which help relieve the main symptoms. In addition, histamine receptor antagonists are used in treatment, which block the processes of hydrochloric acid secretion by stomach cells. In particular, the drugs Ranitidine, Cimetidine, Lafutidine and some others are considered quite effective. Sometimes patients are recommended to take medications that normalize the motility of the digestive tract, for example, Motilium, Motilak, Cerucal and some others.

In addition to the medications, proper nutrition is included. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to eliminate acid reflux with the help of medications and diet. Treatment in particularly severe cases is carried out surgically. For example, some patients are indicated for fundoplication, a plastic correction of the gastric inlet. In the presence of a diaphragmatic hernia, surgery is performed to suturing the esophageal opening.

Proper nutrition for reflux

Of course, a diet for reflux is extremely important, as it helps relieve the main symptoms and normalize the functioning of the digestive system. First of all, patients are advised to eat more often, but in small portions. The last meal should be no later than three hours before bedtime.

You should exclude coffee, chocolate, spices, spicy, fried and fatty foods, as well as overly acidic foods. Apricots, peaches and pumpkin, which have natural antacid properties, will have a positive effect on the functioning of the stomach. Honey, baked tomatoes and bananas reduce the acidity of gastric juice. The menu should include cereals, in particular rice, oats, and millet. It's better to give preference low-fat varieties meat (chicken, turkey, rabbit) and fish. By the way, it is advisable to cook them by steaming or in the oven.

Even someone who has never heard of acid reflux will almost certainly recognize it from the description of its symptoms. You may also be familiar with another name for this disease: GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

These medical terms used to describe a severe type of heartburn that occurs when acid from the stomach enters the esophagus. Typically, the release of these acids is controlled by a muscle called the gastroesophageal sphincter. If the esophageal sphincter weakens for any reason, acid enters the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Fortunately, there are many treatments for this condition, the most popular of which include:

Changing eating and drinking habits

The first step in fighting acid reflux is to change your eating habits and alcohol consumption. Eat in small portions, chewing each piece thoroughly. Avoid large meals during evening time. It is also recommended to avoid drinking alcohol within 4 hours before bedtime.

Changing your sleep habits

Changing your body position helps reduce the likelihood and severity of acid reflux during the night. Place another pillow under your head, thus raising it 20 centimeters above body level.

Quitting smoking and healthy weight

Overweight people who smoke are more likely to experience acid reflux. Quitting smoking and managing your weight can significantly improve the symptoms of GERD.

Medicines

In most cases medicines, used for GERD treatment, available without a prescription. However, remember that each medicine has its own characteristics and its own principle of action. Therefore, consult your pharmacist or doctor before purchasing.

Surgery

Today acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a fairly common problem. Reflux disease occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus due to improper relaxation of a muscle valve. This causes heartburn, burning and other discomfort. Sometimes they are so strong that people mistake what is happening for a heart attack.

Sometimes reflux disease leads to asthma, dyspepsia, inflammation of the esophagus, and ulcers. Appears bad smell from the mouth. In more severe cases, acid reflux can cause canceresophagus.

If you have been diagnosed reflux disease, you need to reconsider your diet. Choice suitable nutrition in this case is the most in an efficient way solving the problem.

What foods should be excluded from the diet? First of all, you should give up processed foods, sugar, refined and fatty foods, caffeine and alcohol. At the same time, you need to increase the amount of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. Food rich in fiber is of great importance.

If you are regularly bothered by acid reflux and the discomfort associated with it, then perhaps some natural remedies will help you, which we will discuss in detail in our article today.

The juice of this plant has anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes the irritated esophagus and relieves acid reflux symptoms.

Natural apple cider vinegar

Natural apple cider vinegar is another popular means to relieve symptoms. How to take it? Dilute 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a large glass of water and drink when the first signs appear.

Baking soda

Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda- another economical and effective remedy. It restores acid-base balance in our body.

You need to take soda as follows: you need to dilute 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water.

Licorice

Licorice, also known as licorice, helps form a protective film on the walls. Thanks to this, the plant helps cope with unpleasant symptoms that accompany reflux disease. It is recommended to consume licorice extract or brew it as tea.

Results various studies have shown that ginger root has a beneficial effect on the health of our stomach and protects it. Neutralizes acid and prevents bacterial growth helicobacter pylori .

8 times more effective than lansoprazole, medical product, which prevents the appearance of ulcers. To treat acid reflux you need to make tea from one teaspoon fresh ginger and one cup of boiling water. The recommended brewing time is 5 minutes. It is best to drink ginger infusion before meals.

Glutamine

Glutamine is an amino acid that helps restore the digestive system from damage caused by bacteria helicobacter pylori . And although glutamine is already synthesized in human body, its amount can be increased by eating foods such as beef and chicken, fish and eggs, dairy products and some fruits and vegetables (parsley, spinach, etc.)

Glutamine saves us from inflammatory processes and helps relieve bloating.

In order to get rid of acid reflux, in addition to using the above natural remedies It is necessary to pay attention to the following important recommendations:

• Pay more attention and time to your diet, chew your food thoroughly, and do not eat on the go. This will avoid the development of inflammatory processes and excessive pressure in the stomach.
• The last meal should be light. It is recommended no later than than two to three hours before bedtime.
• Avoid sour and spicy food irritating the esophagus and stomach.
• You should not start your meal with foods containing starch. It's better to start with vegetables or meat, and then move on to potatoes and bread.
• If you are overweight, then need to think about solving this problem. Experts believe that there is a direct relationship between obesity and acid reflux. Overweight often prevents the gastric sphincter from completely closing, causing stomach acid to flow into the esophagus and cause heartburn.
• It is also not recommended to abuse alcohol. He provides irritant effect on the digestive organs, which can provoke the development of reflux disease.