gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not stay closed. There are several theories about why this happens. It is commonly believed that the tissue structure of the LES is compromised by one or more of these factors:
- Overeating
- Eat foods that contain high acid
- Delayed digestion in the stomach contents
- Reduced salivation
- Relaxation LES (transient)
- Decreased LES resting status
- ineffective esophageal clearance
- an inability to resist the esophagus injury and repair themselves
Gerd episodes occur frequently during the day, often after eating too much food or food high in fat. However, there are many reported cases of this happening at night, and one is in a horizontal position for sleeping.
In the course of this research, I found that most doctors recommend that patients avoid alcohol, caffeine and chocolate, as these items seem to be the biggest "offenders" in one's struggle against this evil. It should also be noted that smoking, tight clothing, medicines, hormones, obesity, pregnancy, and even body position were cited as factors in the development starts this disease.
GERD is often accompanied by a hiatal hernia. It is a protrusion of the stomach through the esophageal hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm, which leads to the chest. When this type of hernia is present may contribute to transient LES relaxation and delay admission due to impaired esophageal evacuation. This means that the hiatal hernia can allow more acid reflux occurs after exposure, which creates GERD symptoms and esophageal damage.
Common symptoms of GERD include les are:
- Heartburn - burning in the chest behind the sternum
- regurgitation - not to be confused with vomiting, which employs the digestive and abdominal muscles to force the stomach to the esophagus, this is a bitter or sour taste in my mouth because the stomach contents reflux is to achieve the
- dysfunctional swallowing (dysphagia) - this is the feeling of food "hanging", "smooth" or "slow down" the throat and stomach
- Pain on swallowing (Odynophagia) - a sharp pain below the breastbone that occurs during swallowing. This pain is caused by erosive esophagitis (when the lining of the esophagus someone is "eaten" by gastric acid and gastric enzymes)
- chest pain - when the reflux, it can be sharp or dull and may radiate to the neck, arms or back. It is often mistaken as a heart attack. Do not take any chances. Seek immediate medical help in case this happens, so your doctor or health care provider may exclude cardiac problems and help you treat the cause.
common test used to diagnose and evaluate GERD include:
- upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and possibly a biopsy of the esophagus
- pH Testing les - the sensor is put in place for 24 hours to determine whether or not reflux occurs and to assess the levels of acid are refluxed
.Depending on your doctor's assessment, GERD can be controlled in the early stages of the diet and over-the-counter antacid. Not recommended that one employ this method of treatment without first consulting with a physician. More severe diagnoses may require more in-depth treatment, possibly including surgery.
Your doctor may recommend one or a combination of the following:
Changes in lifestyle:
- Raise the head of the bed 4-6 inches (5-8 centimeters)
- Antacids neutralize excess stomach acid
- Avoid overeating
- Avoid alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, and
- without food two to three hours before going to bed
- lose weight
- Avoid fatty and / or fatty foods
- drink eight 8 glasses (about two liters) of water a day
doctors
- prescription drugs to reduce stomach acid
- endoscopic stitching - this is a minimally invasive procedure and may create a barrier to reduce reflux in patients with mild to moderate GERD. It can not be done, however, if someone has a large hiatal hernia
- Surgery on the LES - the most common is the Nissen fundoplication. But there is a less invasive form of surgery using laparoscopy. Your doctor will determine which better suits the need.
Keep in mind that untreated GERD can lead to many serious complications, so do not ignore the fact that often the "heartburn". Get checked out now!
No comments:
Post a Comment