What is Good for Reflux? Suggestions to Reduce Reflux Complaints
Reflux is a common digestive problem caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. This can cause symptoms such as a burning sensation in the chest, a bitter or sour taste in the throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, cough or asthma. If reflux continues for a long time, it can lead to serious complications such as inflammation of the esophagus, ulcers, or cancer. Reflux is a condition that can negatively affect quality of life. Some diet and lifestyle changes can be made to reduce or prevent symptoms that occur as a result of reflux. These changes can control reflux without the need for reflux medications. In the rest of this article, the answer to the question “What is good for reflux?” is detailed. If you want to know more about reflux, you can read the rest of the article.
What Causes Reflux?
Reflux is caused by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach, not working properly. The lower esophageal sphincter is responsible for closing after food is swallowed and preventing stomach acid from escaping into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter may relax or weaken for different reasons. This may cause stomach acid to pass into the esophagus.
There may be many factors that cause or trigger reflux. Some of these factors are as follows:
- Overeating or consuming very fatty and spicy foods,
- Certain health conditions such as pregnancy, obesity, diabetes or asthma,
- certain medications (for example, aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamines or muscle relaxants),
- Stress, anxiety or depression.
Such situations can cause stomach acid to leak into the esophagus.
What is Good for Reflux?
Some lifestyle changes can help improve reflux. Some of the applications that will be good for reflux are as follows:
- Eating meals little by little and slowly,
- Avoiding foods and drinks that cause or trigger reflux,
- Standing or sitting upright for at least three hours after eating,
- Raising the pillow or raising the head of the bed before going to bed
- Staying at ideal weight
- Making exercise a part of life,
- managing stress
Such measures can help control reflux.
What are the symptoms of reflux?
Reflux is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach contents leak back into the esophagus. The symptoms that occur as a result of this condition may vary from person to person. Some of the symptoms of reflux are as follows:
- Burning or Pain in the Chest: A burning sensation or pain in the chest area is among the symptoms that occur as a result of reflux. This condition usually occurs after eating or at bedtime.
- A Sour or Bitter Taste in the Mouth: A sour or bitter taste sensation may occur as a result of stomach acid coming into the mouth. This can damage tooth enamel and cause bad breath.
- Difficulty in Swallowing or Pain While Swallowing: This condition may occur due to inflammation, ulcer, narrowing or wound in the esophagus. In some cases, regurgitation or sticking of swallowed food may also occur.
- Hoarseness, Burning in the Throat, Cough or Hiccup: These types of conditions may occur due to stomach acid damaging the vocal cords or respiratory tract. Reflux; It can trigger or worsen respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or laryngitis.
- Nausea, Vomiting, or Loss of Appetite: These types of symptoms may occur due to stomach acid irritating the stomach or slowing down stomach emptying. Reflux; It may be associated with stomach diseases such as gastritis, ulcers or stomach cancer.
Reflux symptoms can negatively impact quality of life. Some lifestyle changes may need to be made to reduce or prevent such symptoms.
How is Reflux Diagnosed?
Different diagnostic methods can be used to diagnose reflux. Some of these diagnostic methods include:
- Endoscopy: Endoscopy is the process of inserting a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera through the mouth to see the inside of the esophagus. Endoscopy can be used to detect inflammation in the esophagus, ulcers, strictures, sores, or complications of reflux such as Barrett’s esophagus. Additionally, diseases such as eosinophilic esophagitis can be diagnosed by taking a biopsy of the esophagus during endoscopy.
- 24-Hour pH Meter Measurement: This test involves placing a sensor in the esophagus to measure the acid level in the esophagus. The sensor, placed in the esophagus, is connected to a recording device with a cable. While the individual to whom the device is placed continues their normal activities for 24 hours, acid changes in the esophagus are recorded by the device. This test can be performed to determine the severity and frequency of reflux. It may also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of reflux medications or to investigate the cause of symptoms unrelated to reflux.
- pH Impedance Monitoring: This test, similar to a 24-hour pH meter measurement, also measures liquid and gas movements in the esophagus in addition to the pH meter measurement. pH impedance monitoring can be used to detect acidic or non-acidic reflux events. It may also indicate a relationship between reflux and symptoms.
- Esophageal Manometry: This test is the insertion of a pressure sensor into the esophagus to measure muscle movements of the esophagus. This test can be used to evaluate the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It can also help diagnose esophageal motility disorders such as achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm, or nutcracker esophagus.
The first step in diagnosing reflux usually involves diagnosing the patient’s symptoms and identifying factors that cause or trigger reflux. In some cases where such conditions are detected, endoscopy or other tests may not be necessary to diagnose reflux.
How to Treat Reflux?
Reflux treatment may vary depending on the severity, frequency and duration of symptoms. There are generally two methods used in the treatment of reflux. These methods include drug therapy and surgery.
Medication uses medications that suppress stomach acid or increase contraction of the esophagus to prevent or reduce reflux. These medications may include antacids, H2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and prokinetics. Medication can relieve symptoms that occur as a result of reflux. However, depending on individual differences, medication use may have some side effects.
Surgical treatment is a method applied to patients who do not respond to drug treatment or do not want to use medication. The aim of surgical treatment is to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent stomach contents from leaking into the esophagus. Surgical treatment methods may include fundoplication, endoscopic plication, endoscopic implantation and magnetic ring implantation. Such methods can reduce reflux symptoms. However, some complications may occur as a result of surgical procedures.
In addition to medication or surgical treatment, lifestyle changes are also important in the treatment of reflux. Lifestyle changes include avoiding overeating; limiting spicy, fatty, acidic and carbonated foods and drinks; standing upright for at least 3 hours after eating; Practices such as losing excess weight and keeping the head elevated while lying down may be included. Lifestyle changes can improve the quality of life of individuals by increasing the effectiveness of reflux treatment.
Reflux is a disease that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Medication, surgery and lifestyle changes should be applied together in the treatment of reflux. In order for such treatment methods to be effective, it is very important that the treatment is determined by a doctor. Treatment practices recommended by the doctor can help reduce reflux symptoms in individuals.
