Gastroesophageal reflux disease: causes, symptoms and treatment
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as heartburn, is affecting an increasing number of people around the world. It is a common ailment that can significantly affect our health and quality of life. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms and various treatments for this disease.
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which stomach contents back up into the esophagus, causing unpleasant symptoms such as heartburn, burning or pain in the esophageal area. The esophagus is a tube that guides swallowed food into the stomach, and the sphincter muscles at the end of the esophagus should close after food passes through to prevent stomach acid from backing up. With gastroesophageal reflux disease, this ability is impaired, causing abnormal backflow of gastric contents.
Causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease
There are many factors that can contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease. One of the main causes is the weakening of the muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter, which normalizes the flow of food content from the stomach. Factors that contribute to the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter muscles include obesity, smoking, an unhealthy diet rich in fatty and spicy foods, and alcohol consumption.
In addition, pregnancy can also increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease due to hormonal changes and pressure on internal organs. Certain conditions, such as gastric acid reflux, esophageal hiatal hernia and certain medications, can also promote the disease.
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease can vary, but the most common are heartburn and burning behind the sternum, which usually get worse after eating or lying down. Some patients also experience chest pain, a gurgling sensation in the throat, difficulty swallowing and frequent hoarseness. Symptoms can persist for a long time and negatively affect the patient's quality of life.
It is important not to underestimate these symptoms and consult a doctor, as long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease can lead to more serious complications, such as esophagitis, ulcers and even esophageal cancer.
Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Depending on the severity of symptoms and the results of diagnostic tests, your doctor may recommend different treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease. For mild symptoms, lifestyle and dietary changes may be enough to control symptoms.
However, in many cases, pharmacotherapy is necessary, which includes various types of medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 receptor blockers, which control stomach acid production and relieve symptoms. In more severe cases, when pharmacological treatment is insufficient or there are complications, surgical treatment may be necessary to reflex part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter to strengthen esophageal closure.
Summary
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common ailment that can significantly affect patients' quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms and available treatments is key to the successful management of this disease. It is also important to consult a doctor when symptoms occur to avoid complications and maintain gastrointestinal health.