Reflux is a health problem seen in a large part of the society. It can occur in anyone, male or female, and is seen in approximately 20 per cent of the population. The most prominent complaints of reflux are burning sensation in the throat and food and stomach acid coming from the oesophagus and even into the mouth. So what is reflux? Why does it happen?
Reflux can be briefly defined as the problem of stomach acid and food escaping back into the oesophagus. The stomach contents, which usually consist of acid, sometimes bile and pancreatic fluid, can escape back into the oesophagus and contact of the oesophagus with stomach acid (for a long time) can cause problems in the oesophagus. One of these is that the oesophagus loses its ability to protect itself. As a result of such problems, reflux disease occurs.
Reflux disease is usually ignored or tried to be overcome with medication, but it should not be forgotten that it is a disease that can lead to bigger problems such as cancer, albeit rarely if left untreated.
Reflux occurs as a result of prolonged contact of the acidic contents of the stomach with the oesophagus. Damage to the oesophagus occurs as a result of prolonged contact of the acidic contents of the stomach with the oesophagus. As a result of this damage, complaints such as burning occur. At the lower end of the oesophagus, there is a muscular valve called the lower oesophageal sphincter. This valve prevents acid from escaping back into the oesophagus and keeps it in the stomach. However, as a result of the loosening of this valve, stomach acid cannot fulfil its function, stomach acid escapes back into the oesophagus and this causes reflux.
One of the causes of reflux is eating habits. Some foods trigger reflux and the consumption of these foods should be kept under control. Fatty foods directly trigger reflux. Foods that are easy to digest should be preferred instead of fatty and heavy foods. Although tomato is beneficial for health, it can trigger reflux because it contains acid. Foods such as ketchup, tomato paste and tomato juice also trigger reflux. Raw garlic and onion, spicy foods, mint, coffee, tea, cigarettes, alcohol, vinegar, frying, carbonated drinks, canned food, oranges and lemons can also be shown among the main foods that cause reflux.
Reflux patients should regulate their meal times and eating habits. Eating before going to bed at night causes reflux. In addition, they should not eat too heavy and too much at meals. Reflux patients with excess weight should lose weight.
Burning and heartburn in the anterior chest and/or upper part of the stomach
Reflux should not be neglected and attention should be paid to its treatment and the precautions that can be taken against the factors that trigger reflux. The patient can be diagnosed with reflux based on the current complaints, patient's history and findings. In case of the above symptoms, the person should definitely consult a doctor and reflux treatment should be started.
The most important issue in the treatment of reflux is to make changes in the patient's lifestyle. Reflux is a disease that can usually be controlled by correcting eating habits and medication. However, in some patients, the person may not respond to drug treatment. Surgical intervention is required in such cases. In addition to the use of medication that suppresses reflux, changes in lifestyle must be made. For example, smoking and alcohol should be avoided, tight clothes should not be worn, fatty foods and fried foods should not be consumed, overweight patients should lose weight, chocolate, coffee, mint, onion, lemon and orange should be avoided.
Reflux surgery, which is used in cases where the use of reflux medications does not work, is a procedure that is widely applied today. In addition, even if drug treatment works, some patients do not favour years of drug treatment. Reflux surgery can also be applied in such cases.
The most commonly performed reflux surgery is niche fundoplication. With this surgery, the valve under the oesophagus is strengthened. If the patient has a stomach hernia during reflux surgery, it is also treated. Reflux surgery is performed with caparoscopic (closed) surgery.
Reflux diet should be applied under the supervision of a doctor to minimise reflux complaints and control reflux. Since each person has sensitivity to different foods, the patient should stay away from trigger foods that the patient notices in himself. On the contrary, foods that are good for reflux should be consumed.
Reflux diet also includes eating patterns. The patient should be fed with small bites and should not overfill the stomach at once. Eating and drinking activities should be stopped at least 3 hours before going to bed at night.
Reflux and gastritis symptoms are similar. For this reason, many patients confuse the two problems with each other and apply wrong treatment methods. For this reason, patients should definitely consult a specialist if they have any complaints about their digestive system. Symptoms of gastritis are usually manifested when hungry and prolonged pain is felt.
