Gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is considered one of the most common and potentially severe abnormalities of the esophagus. The disease tends to kill more and more people. Gastroesophageal reflux can significantly impair the quality of life of a person, provoke, as they progress, quite dangerous complications, including esophageal cancer.

According to medical statistics, this pathology is detected in 20% of people.

Gastroesophageal reflux is caused by a disruption of the endoscopic function of the esophageal sphincter located in the lower part, as well as a prolonged effect on the esophageal mucosa of the contents of the stomach. In other words, there is unobstructed back penetration.

In norm gastric acidity varies within the limits of 1.5-2.0, and in the esophagus - 6.0-7.0. Gastroesophageal reflux contributes to a shift in the acidity of the esophagus to the low side due to the penetration of acidic gastric contents into it. With prolonged contact between the two media, an inflammatory process develops. The composition of acidic gastric juice includes digestive enzymes, which also contribute significantly to the development of inflammation.

Damage can be provoked by the contents of the duodenum (bicarbonates, enzymes, bile acids). In the process of its casting into the stomach, penetration into the esophagus is often noted, which causes damage to the mucosa and, as a consequence, a decrease in acidity in it.

Gastroesophageal reflux is considered a normal physiological manifestation in case of compliance with certain criteria:

- development, mainly occurs after eating;

- there is a small frequency and duration per day;

- there is no discomfort;

- Insignificant frequency at night.

The condition is considered as pathological in the case of:

- frequent or prolonged episodes;

- if observed both in the daytime and at night;

- accompanied by inflammation.

The disease has a number of characteristic manifestations. These include heartburn, soreness in swallowing, pain in the left side of the chest and behind the breastbone, regurgitation, destruction of the enamel of the teeth, hoarseness of the voice, prolonged coughing.

In view of the fact that the chest cavity pressure is lower than in the stomach, reflux should be manifested constantly. However, in its normal appearance, it is rare, due to the blocking functions of the cardia. As a rule, its appearance in a healthy person is noted for a short time (less than five minutes). In connection with this, this condition is not considered pathology.

Gastroesophageal reflux. Treatment

Therapeutic measures, first of all, are aimed at reducing the severity of the process, reducing the damaging ability of the stomach contents, and also providing protection for the esophagus mucosa.

Treatment includes mandatory control of body weight, refusal to smoke, drinking alcohol, fatty foods, coffee, chocolate. The diet also excludes acidic foods.

Much attention is paid to the diet. Experts recommend eating more often and in small portions.

If there is no curative effect, the doctor may prescribe antacids. These drugs contain magnesium, aluminum, calcium salts. These substances are able to neutralize the action of hydrochloric acid.

It is recommended to give preference to antacids in the form of gels. In the lumen of the stomach and esophagus, small droplets are formed during their reception, which increases the effect. Among the common drugs should be noted "Almagel", "Maalox", "Fosfalugel." These agents contain magnesium and aluminum salts in various proportions or only aluminum salts.