Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or simply reflux is a condition that occurs from the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. This condition can cause damage to the esophagus from stomach acid and can lead to uncomfortable symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Reflux?
Heartburn: Typically felt as discomfort or a burning sensation in the chest area
Regurgitation: The backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus
Gagging and Sore Throat: Gagging and sore throat resulting from stomach contents flowing back into the throat
Belching and Hiccups: Frequent complaints of belching or hiccups
Causes of Reflux:
- Weak Stomach Valve: Weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter, Dietary Habits: Consumption of excessively fatty, spicy, or acidic foods
- Pregnancy: Pressure on the stomach during pregnancy
- Overweight or Obesity: Pressure on the stomach due to excess weight
How Is Reflux Managed and Treated?
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes: Regulating eating habits, avoiding lying down for a certain period after eating.
Medications: Using medications such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers.
Surgical Intervention: Surgery may be necessary in cases where medication therapy and lifestyle changes are ineffective.
How to Prevent Reflux?
Healthy Eating: Avoiding acidic, spicy, and fatty foods
Portion Control: Avoiding overeating and adopting a slow eating habit
No Smoking and Alcohol: Avoiding the use of cigarettes and alcohol.
Reflux is a condition that can negatively affect quality of life. However, with appropriate management strategies and treatment, it can be controlled. If you have symptoms, it is crucial to consult a doctor for early diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Reflux?
Reflux is a digestive system disorder that occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. The arrival of stomach acid, bile, or digestive enzymes in the esophagus can cause symptoms such as burning, sour taste, and acidic fluid coming up to the throat.
The question of what reflux is can be summarized most simply as the state of stomach acid not staying where it should be. Over time, this condition can lead to irritation and inflammation of the esophageal mucosa.
Why Does Reflux Occur?
The question of why reflux occurs is related to both lifestyle and anatomical factors. Weakness or relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach contents to escape upwards.
In addition, factors such as overeating, consuming excessively fatty and spicy foods, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and obesity can trigger reflux.
During pregnancy, reflux complaints may increase due to hormonal changes.
What Helps Reflux?
The question of what helps reflux is very important for patients looking to control their symptoms.
Some measures that can be implemented in daily life include:
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Not eating 2–3 hours before bedtime
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Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated
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Avoiding acidic, spicy, and chocolate-containing foods
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Eating small and frequent meals
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Quitting smoking and reaching an ideal weight
Additionally, antacids and stomach-protective medications recommended by a doctor can also alleviate reflux symptoms.
When Does Surgical Treatment Become an Option in Reflux?
Surgical treatment is generally considered for reflux patients who do not respond to medication therapy and whose quality of life is severely affected.
Reflux surgeries aim to strengthen the valve mechanism between the stomach and the esophagus. The most commonly performed method is the fundoplication surgery. This procedure involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower part of the esophagus.
After surgical treatment, medication use decreases and symptom control increases. However, the decision-making process should be shaped by specialist physician evaluation.
How Are Reflux Surgeries Performed?
Reflux surgeries are usually performed laparoscopically (by the closed method). This way, the patient's recovery process is faster.
During the surgery, the weakened muscle tissues between the stomach and the esophagus are strengthened.
In the first few days after surgery, liquid foods are consumed, then slowly transition to a normal diet.
The success rate after surgery is high, but it may not be suitable for every patient. Therefore, suitability for surgery should be evaluated with detailed diagnostics.
What Is Reflux in Infants?
The answer to what is reflux in infants begins with "physiological reflux," which is commonly seen in babies, especially in the first 6 months.
This condition occurs when the stomach contents flow back into the mouth due to the underdeveloped esophagus in the baby.
Symptoms such as milk vomiting, irritability, sleep disturbances, and slow weight gain may be observed.
It generally resolves on its own after 1 year. However, if there are conditions such as weight loss, excessive vomiting, and feeding refusal, it is important to consult a pediatric gastroenterology specialist.
What Is Acid Reflux?
The question of what is acid reflux refers to the primary cause of reflux.
Acid reflux is the type of reflux caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. It presents itself with symptoms such as burning, chest tightness, and sour-tasting fluid reaching the mouth.
Since acid reflux causes irritation in the esophagus, it can lead to serious complications such as esophagitis, strictures, and even Barrett's esophagus over time.
Therefore, it is important for individuals with acid reflux to be under regular doctor's supervision.
How Should the Diet Be for Reflux Disease?
One of the most effective ways to control reflux symptoms is to adopt proper dietary habits. Foods that increase stomach acid or can irritate the esophagus should be avoided.
In this context:
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Avoid fatty and spicy foods, chocolate, and acidic foods such as citrus and tomatoes.
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Daily meals should be small and frequent, and portions should be reduced.
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Lying down or sleeping immediately after eating can trigger reflux.
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The consumption of carbonated drinks, coffee, and alcohol should be limited.
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Drinking enough water and choosing foods rich in fiber supports digestion.
It has been observed that the symptoms are significantly reduced when compliance with the diet is achieved.
What Other Diseases Are Confused with Reflux?
Reflux symptoms can sometimes be confused with other conditions. Especially burning and pain in the chest can be similar to symptoms of a heart attack.
Apart from this:
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Stomach ulcer
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Gastritis
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Bile reflux
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Pancreatitis
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Anxiety disorder
can also produce symptoms similar to reflux. Therefore, a detailed evaluation should be conducted before a diagnosis is made. Tests such as endoscopy, pH measurement, and stomach x-ray can definitively differentiate reflux.
Exercise Recommendations for Reflux Patients
Exercise recommendations for reflux patients should consist of movements that do not increase stomach pressure and do not put pressure on the abdomen.
Mild-paced exercises such as walking, yoga, and swimming support digestion and help the stomach muscles work.
However, exercises that increase abdominal pressure, such as sit-ups, inversions, and weight lifting, should be avoided.
Eating immediately after exercising or consuming excessive water can strain the stomach.
Exercise plans should be tailored according to the individual's tolerances, and the body condition should be observed before and after exercise.