Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Symptoms And Treatment

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is characterized by the  spontaneous passage of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus, without there being a cause for it. On the other hand, physiological gastroesophageal reflux is primarily due to short-term and spontaneous relaxation of the lower sphincter of the esophagus due to dilation of the stomach.

This condition  affects the quality of life of the person suffering from it. However, to consider it a disorder, the symptoms must be intense enough. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is therefore a general chronic condition with a good prognosis. In addition, its symptoms vary in intensity and it is characterized by intermittent periods of remission.

The causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease

The manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease depends on many factors. The most important, however, is the malfunction of the lower sphincter of the esophagus. In addition, factors that promote gastroesophageal reflux disease are:

• Movement disorders in the esophagus.
• The upper sphincter of the esophagus.
• Clarification mechanisms in the esophagus and stomach contents.

In many cases  , gastroesophageal reflux disease is usually associated with hernia of the esophagus. This is because hernia in the esophagus promotes reflux.

Symptoms

Gastroesophageal reflux disease has many symptoms. The condition can range from just the manifestation of symptoms to the coexistence of allergies in the esophagus. Complications, such as stenosis, peptic ulcer, and Barrett’s esophagus, can occur, although less frequently.

The variation of the symptoms depends on factors such as the duration of episodes of the disease and the volume and aggressiveness of the material that comes up. In addition, professionals in medicine must also take into account how long this material has been in contact with the mucus in the esophagus.

The most common symptoms are general:

• Heartburn. This is the most characteristic symptom. It is a burning sensation that comes from the upper abdomen.
• Acid rise. This is the second most common symptom. It involves the spontaneous passage of the contents of the stomach up to the mouth. This is promoted by certain positions or increased pressure in the abdomen.
• Chest pain. This can be acute or sudden, caused by cramps in the esophagus. You can assume that the cause of the pain is gastroesophageal reflux disease when it is related to food intake and not with overexertion.

• Dysphagia  or suffocation.
• Odynophagy. Pain when sinking. However, this is not a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease. If it does occur, however, it may still indicate its presence.

Typical symptoms of the disease have  high diagnostic reliability. The manifestation of these symptoms leads to an almost certain diagnosis and indicates a treatment without the need for further diagnostic tests such as endoscopy. However, if the patient shows disturbing symptoms or does not respond to treatment, a gastroscopy should be performed.

Treatment of g astroesophageal reflux disease

The treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease  aims to relieve the symptoms and cure esophagitis. In addition, medical professionals treat and prevent possible complications.

Other treatment options include  lifestyle adjustments, hygiene and diet related measures and in some extreme cases surgery.

Hygiene and diet-related measures

Measures related to lifestyle, hygiene and diet  should be personalized for each individual patient in relation to the risk factors that exist in each case. However, the clinical response to the changes should be considered.

It is advisable to stop smoking and reduce your alcohol intake  as well as to take care in case of obese patients.

Another caveat to take is to raise the bed rail. Doctors also recommend:

• Avoid heavy meals as it is better to eat more frequent, light meals.
• To detect and avoid foods that trigger the symptoms.
• To control stress.
• Regular exercise.
• To spend enough time chewing the food.

Medicine

Medical treatment is  based on the inhibition and neutralization of gastric acid secretion.

Acid pump inhibitors are among the groups of drugs typically used to treat this disease. This type of medication causes a total inhibition of excretion of the contents of the stomach. They also relieve symptoms, heal the esophagus and control recurrences.

At the same time, antacids effectively and quickly relieve heartburn. On the other hand, prokinetic medicine is useful when acid reflux is predominant. H2 blockers produce a partial inhibition of gastric acid secretion.

Medical professionals provide these types of medications to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease when the patient is not suffering from esophagitis.

Does the condition affect the patient’s quality of life?

As you may have seen, various factors can cause it and make it worse. However, there are many options for treatment. Talk to your doctor  to find out what is best for you.