With 40 percent people living in highly developed countries who are affected by this disease, as much as 7 percent. will be sentenced to intensive treatment. In addition, every second reflux sufferer will struggle with Barrett’s esophagus or erosions.Most often, the diagnosis is hampered by ambiguity or even the absence of symptoms. The most common methods are esophageal pH-metry and endoscopy combined with biopsy of the mucosa. The stage of disease development is assessed: 0 – no disease, 1 – hyperaemia, 2 – linear erosions, 3 – diffuse erosions, 4 – post-inflammatory narrowing that is dangerous.
The picture of the disease
Gastroesophageal reflux is the reflux of gastric juices and food into the esophagus. The risk of developing this condition increases with age. Pregnancy, overweight, diabetes, hormonal disorders, increased abdominal pressure, certain medications, hiatal hernia, and systemic sclerosis all have a major impact. The disease, briefly called reflux, is often associated with the relaxation of the esophageal sphincter muscle located at the entrance to the stomach. When swallowing food or saliva in healthy people, it relaxes for a maximum of 10 seconds, in patients – even for six times longer. The work of the lower sphincter is negatively affected by stimulants such as coffee, alcohol and cigarettes, as well as gastric surgeries.
Typical and alarming symptoms
Typical symptoms are:
- burning in the esophagus,
- heartburn,
- belching,
- burning and pain behind the sternum,
- excessive drooling
- unpleasant smell from the mouth, despite the observance of hygiene rules,
- dry cough at night
- regurgitation.
Symptoms very often mislead us, because we think that we only suffer from heartburn. When we lie down and bend over, they give us much more trouble. Alarming symptoms include:
- bleeding,
- odynophagia, or painful swallowing,
- dysphagia – difficulty swallowing,
- anemia,
- weight loss.
Therapy
Gastroesophageal reflux should not be underestimated, primarily because it can become a cause of cancer. In the case of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, the risk is twice as high, and in the case of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, up to six times. We are slightly less likely to develop cancer of the gastroesophageal junction. Let us remember that over-the-counter medications will temporarily relieve symptoms, but will not stop the development of complications or the disease itself. Patients should eat smaller, easily digestible meals at fixed times, even up to 7 a.m. a day. Similarly, let’s drink less fluids, but more often, because larger portions unfavorably expand the stomach, which exacerbates the symptoms. The diet should be enriched with alkaline-forming meals: kefir and natural yoghurts that protect the esophagus, as well as vegetables and fruits – except citrus ones. white bread, fast food and meat. Avoid sweeteners, flour and fried products. Green tea and herbs are recommended: marjoram, basil, dill, cumin and oregano. Patients should take care of a systematic dose of exercise and visit a doctor.