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Reflux of the esophagus is a rather unpleasant ailment during which the stomach contents back up into the esophagus. Gastric juice, which contains digestive enzymes, causes a burning and burning sensation, i.e. it is responsible for the basic symptom of reflux, the so-called acid reflux. heartburn.
Who is at risk of acid reflux?
Certain factors predispose to the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. One of them is pregnancy, but after giving birth, the problem usually goes away on its own. Ailments are favored by obesity and overweight, so it is worth trying to normalize body weight with the help of a proper diet and physical activity. Sometimes the causes of esophageal reflux should be sought in anatomical abnormalities. People with abnormal structure and function of the esophageal sphincter suffer from gastric regurgitation. Sometimes digestive disorders and delays in emptying the stomach are to blame for the ailment. Between 5 and 10 percent of people suffer from reflux symptoms every day. people in the world, 20 percent of the population suffer from symptoms once a week. Heartburn occurs in men and women, people of all ages, although most cases of acid reflux affect seniors.
Causes of gastroesophageal reflux
Certain conditions and pathologies are particularly conducive to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease. One of them is diabetes – especially if left untreated or poorly controlled. In addition, the ailment can accompany scleroderma, hormonal disorders and the aforementioned overweight and obesity (which incidentally contribute to many other, more dangerous diseases). It is worth mentioning that acid reflux occurs in people who drink alcohol too often (not only patients with alcoholism). Some medications can lead to acid reflux. The ailment can be caused, for example, by pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, pneumonia and other lung diseases. The direct cause of reflux lies in the dysfunction of the esophageal sphincter, i.e. the muscle that prevents the stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. The sphincter works by relaxing when swallowing food and opening the way to the stomach. After swallowing a bite under normal conditions, the muscle closes and the possible way of returning the digestive contents is blocked. Reflux occurs when the sphincter, for various reasons, cannot close effectively.
Acid reflux – symptoms and complications
Gastroesophageal reflux causes a variety of symptoms, but most of all it is manifested by the regurgitation of gastric juice along with enzymes into the esophagus. As a consequence, irritation of the throat occurs; patients also complain of a bad taste in the mouth. In addition, there is a feeling of distending, burning and burning in the esophagus, as well as pain in the esophagus and pain in the upper abdomen. Ailments appearing behind the sternum are easily confused with a heart attack. Acid reflux can also be manifested by acidity, sour or “empty” belching. Although most often reflux occurs with age, the condition does not avoid children as well. In this case, small patients usually show reluctance to take food, because they associate meals with discomfort. We must not forget that gastroesophageal reflux sometimes leads to serious complications, so the ailment should be consulted with a doctor. A specialist should be consulted immediately if there is severe pain or bleeding from the esophagus. Bleeding indicates the presence of an ulcer or perforated ulcer. Other dangerous complications of reflux include recurrent gingivitis, tooth decay, asthma, esophageal stricture, and even esophageal cancer.