GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX

Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.

Common symptoms include a burning sensation in the chest, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of sour foods, and a feeling of food stuck behind the breastbone. It is often caused by factors such as obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and certain medications.

Treatment options include medications like omeprazole and lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding trigger foods, and not lying down after eating.

Natural remedies include consuming foods like apples, chamomile, milk thistle and oats, and incorporating vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin D into your life.

Description

Gastroesophageal reflux, commonly known as acid reflux or heartburn, is a condition where the stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. It occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter, a muscular ring that normally keeps the acid in the stomach, weakens or relaxes.

The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux include a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), regurgitation of stomach contents, difficulty swallowing, and a sour taste in the mouth.

Risk factors for developing gastroesophageal reflux include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and certain medical conditions.

Treatment options include lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding trigger foods and maintaining a healthy weight, as well as medications to reduce stomach acid production. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to strengthen the lower oesophageal sphincter.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gastrointestinal reflux may include:

Feeling of a Lump in the Throat: This sensation, known as globus pharyngis, can make it feel like there's something stuck in your throat or a lump you can't swallow. It's often related to irritation in the throat caused by stomach acid refluxing into the oesophagus.

Difficulty Swallowing: Known as dysphagia, this symptom can occur when stomach acid irritates the oesophagus, making it painful or difficult to swallow.

Burning in the Chest: Heartburn is a hallmark symptom of GERD. It's a burning sensation in the chest, typically behind the breastbone, and often occurs after meals or when lying down.

Regurgitation of Sour Foods and Liquids: This symptom involves the involuntary flow of stomach contents, including acidic fluids, back into the throat or mouth. It can lead to a sour or bitter taste.

Nausea After Eating: Some people with GERD may experience nausea or an upset stomach after eating, especially if acid reflux occurs shortly after a meal.

Feeling of Food Stuck Behind the Breastbone: This sensation can be related to the narrowing of the oesophagus due to chronic irritation from acid reflux. It may feel like food is getting stuck when swallowing.

Causes

Gastroesophageal reflux may be caused by:

Obesity or Overweight: Excess body weight, especially around the abdomen, can increase abdominal pressure. This can lead to the backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus, causing GERD symptoms.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, hormonal changes and the growing uterus can put pressure on the stomach, leading to increased acid reflux. Many pregnant individuals experience heartburn and acid reflux for this reason.

Smoking or Inhaling Second-hand Smoke: Smoking can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular ring that separates the oesophagus from the stomach. A weakened LES can allow stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus, contributing to GERD. Inhaling second-hand smoke can have similar effects.

Hiatal Hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. This anatomical abnormality can weaken the LES's ability to prevent acid reflux.

Other factors that can contribute to GERD include:

Consuming large meals or heavy, fatty, or spicy foods.

Eating close to bedtime or lying down after eating.

Snacking before bedtime.

Consuming caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated beverages.

Certain medications may trigger reflux:

Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines are a class of medications commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and muscle relaxation. Some benzodiazepines can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), which can lead to an increased risk of acid reflux.

Sedatives: Sedative medications, including certain sleep aids and tranquillisers, can have muscle-relaxing effects, potentially affecting the LES and allowing stomach acid to reflux into the oesophagus.

Tricyclic Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a class of antidepressant medications. Some TCAs can have side effects that may worsen GERD symptoms. These side effects can include relaxation of the LES and delayed stomach emptying.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, are known to irritate the stomach lining and may increase the risk of developing gastritis or ulcers. This irritation can contribute to GERD symptoms in some individuals.

Medications for Asthma or High Blood Pressure: Some medications used to treat conditions like asthma or high blood pressure may relax smooth muscle tissue, including the LES, potentially leading to acid reflux.

Medical treatment

Some medications that are commonly prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These medications belong to a class known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists. Here's a bit more detail about them:

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs):

Famotidine (Pepcid)

Esomeprazole (Nexium)

Omeprazole (Zegerid, Prilosec)

Pantoprazole (Protonix)

PPIs work by reducing the production of stomach acid. They are often prescribed to provide relief from heartburn and acid reflux symptoms associated with GERD. By reducing stomach acid production, PPIs help heal the oesophagus’s lining and prevent further damage caused by acid reflux.

H2 Receptor Antagonists:

Famotidine (Pepcid) is an H2 receptor antagonist as well as a PPI.

H2 receptor antagonists work by blocking the action of histamine on the stomach cells, reducing the production of stomach acid. While not as potent as PPIs, they can be effective in managing GERD symptoms.

Natural treatment

The natural treatment options you mentioned can be helpful in managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and reducing its symptoms. Here's a bit more detail on each of these natural approaches:

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight, especially around the abdominal area, can increase pressure on the stomach and contribute to acid reflux. Losing weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce GERD symptoms.

Quit Smoking: Smoking can weaken the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle that separates the oesophagus from the stomach. A weakened LES can allow stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus, leading to GERD symptoms. Quitting smoking can improve LES function and reduce symptoms.

Avoid Lying Down After Eating: It's recommended to wait at least 2-3 hours after a meal before lying down or going to bed. This allows your stomach to empty partially and reduces the risk of acid reflux when you lie down.

Eat Slowly: Eating slowly and chewing your food thoroughly can help reduce the amount of air swallowed, which can contribute to gas and reflux symptoms.

Avoid Trigger Foods: Certain foods and beverages, such as fried and fatty foods, alcohol, and spicy sauces, can trigger or worsen GERD symptoms. Identifying and avoiding these trigger foods can help manage the condition.

Elevate the Head of the Bed: Elevating the head of your bed by about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) can help reduce night-time acid reflux symptoms. This position can prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the oesophagus while you sleep.