It is a condition in the stomach contents (food or liquid) are returned from the stomach into the esophagus, the tube from the mouth to the stomach. This action can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
What is gastro-esophageal reflux?
Heartburn, retrosternal heartburn or heartburn is a burning sensation in the center of the chest that often occurs after eating, bending over, exercising, and sometimes, when lying down. Is a common problem, nearly one in 10 adults have these symptoms at least once a week, and one in three monthly. Some pregnant women have it almost daily. These symptoms indicate a disease called gastro-esophageal reflux or GERD.
When you swallow, food passes through your throat and esophagus to your stomach. A muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter controls the opening between the esophagus and stomach and remains closed except during swallowing. When this muscle fails to close, the contents of the stomach acid can rise into the esophagus. This is called reflux. When stomach acid enters the lower esophagus, can cause the symptoms we have described.
The advice to improve gastro-esophageal reflux?
* Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases intra-abdominal pressure and hurts.
* Quit smoking. The snuff relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter.
* Do not wear clothes that you press the abdomen. Avoid tight belt.
* If possible, avoid heavy lifting and avoid prolonged trunk flexion.
* Make small, frequent meals and avoid abundant.
* Limit consumption of fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint, coffee, tea, soft drinks (especially colas) and alcohol. All cause lower esophageal sphincter relaxation.
* Limit consumption of tomatoes, citrus (fruit juices). Provide acids that can irritate the esophagus.
* Eat foods rich in fiber, especially if you are prone to constipation.
* Dine two or three hours before bedtime and avoid lying down after meals.
* Raise the head of your bed about 15-20 cm by placing wooden blocks under the legs of the header, to allow gravity to keep stomach contents inside. The use of pillows does not usually yield good results.
Many people improve following the above recommendations. Antacids that are sold in pharmacies without a prescription can be useful for occasional symptoms.
If not improved, what should I do?
If your symptoms continue or are frequent, you should consult your doctor. A visual examination of the esophagus, known as endoscopy, may be necessary. Often the test shows that the lining inside the esophagus is inflamed and irritated by stomach acid. This condition known as esophagitis usually requires medical treatment.
Treatment
To prevent heartburn, avoid foods and beverages that may trigger symptoms. For many people, these include:
* Alcohol
* Caffeine
* Carbonated beverages
* Chocolate
* The citrus fruits and juices
* Tomatoes
* Tomato sauces
* Spicy or fatty foods
* The high-fat dairy products
* Mint
* A variety of mint
If other foods cause heartburn regularly, avoid them too.
Also, try the following changes in their eating habits and lifestyle:
* Avoid bending over or exercising just after eating
* Avoid garments or belts that fit tightly around your waist
* Do not lie with a full stomach. For example, avoid eating within 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
* Do not smoke.
* Eat smaller meals.
* Lose weight if overweight.
* Reduce stress.
* Sleep with your head raised about 6 inches. Do this by tilting the entire bed or using a wedge under your body, not just with normal pillows.
