Reflux

It is a digestive system disorder that occurs when stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus. This condition is seen with symptoms such as a burning sensation and sourness in the chest, especially after meals. Reflux can be triggered by factors such as overeating, consuming fatty and spicy foods, smoking and alcohol use. If left untreated, it can lead to irritation and inflammation in the esophagus. Patients are usually treated with lifestyle changes and acid-suppressing medications.

Reflux Causes

It is a common digestive system disorder that occurs when stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus. Although the most common symptom is a burning sensation in the chest, various symptoms can also be seen. Reflux causes are usually related to lifestyle, eating habits and some health conditions.

Oily and Spicy Foods: Oily foods can trigger reflux by increasing the production of stomach acid. Spicy foods can irritate the esophagus.

Acidic and Caffeinated Beverages: Coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks and citrus juices can cause reflux. These drinks increase stomach acid, causing the stomach valve to relax.

Overeating: Overeating can increase stomach pressure, causing acid to leak into the esophagus.

Obesity: Having a high body mass index increases the pressure on the stomach, making it easier for stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus.

Smoking: Smoking can trigger reflux by causing the stomach valve to relax. It also irritates the esophagus, making it easier for stomach acid to travel up.

Eating late at night and going to bed causes stomach acid to easily leak back into the esophagus.

Hiatal Hernia: Occurs when the stomach part slides from the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This makes it easier for stomach acid to move upwards.

It occurs due to increased hormone levels during pregnancy and the pressure that the growing uterus puts on the stomach.

GERD: It develops in people who have long-term reflux problems and causes stomach acid to frequently leak into the esophagus. This can result in chronic reflux symptoms.

Painkillers: Painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining and increase reflux.

Lying Position: Lying on your back or keeping your head at a lower level can make it easier for stomach acid to rise up.

Stress: Excessive stress and anxiety can trigger reflux by increasing stomach acid production.

Reflux Symptoms

Reflux is a digestive system disorder that occurs when stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus. Its symptoms may vary from person to person. However, in general, symptoms resulting from the contact of stomach acid and the esophagus are seen.

Burning Sensation in the Chest (Heartburn): The most common symptom of reflux is a burning sensation in the chest area. This burning occurs when stomach acid rises up into the esophagus. It usually becomes more noticeable after meals, when lying down or bending over.

Bitter or Acidic Taste in the Mouth: The rise of stomach acid from the esophagus to the throat and mouth can leave a bitter or sour taste in the mouth. This usually occurs when stomach contents leak upwards, causing an unpleasant sensation in the mouth.

Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Reflux can cause inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus. This can make it difficult for food to pass from the esophagus to the stomach, causing difficulty swallowing.

Chronic Cough: Reflux can lead to a chronic cough due to stomach acid reaching the throat and airways.

Burning and Irritation in the Throat: Stomach acid irritates the esophagus, causing burning and dryness in the throat. Some patients may also experience sore throat or hoarseness.

Hoarseness and Hoarseness: It can cause hoarseness and a hoarse voice, especially when it affects the area where the vocal cords are located.

Bloating and Burping: It is caused by the valve between the stomach and esophagus not working properly. For this reason, stomach gas and the need to belch are also common symptoms. A feeling of bloating is also common.

Nausea: This can cause nausea due to stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus. This feeling of nausea usually worsens after overeating or consuming fatty foods.

Chest Pain: can feel similar to a heart attack and can be worrying. However, chest pain usually occurs after eating. It develops as a result of stomach acid irritating the esophagus.

Wheezing: When it irritates the airways, it can cause wheezing. This can be especially noticeable at night when lying down and can be confused with shortness of breath.

Reflux symptoms usually occur when stomach acid leaks into the esophagus. It can negatively affect quality of life. Mild symptoms can be controlled with lifestyle and dietary changes. However, more severe cases may require medical intervention.

Reflux Treatment Methods

If left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage, inflammation, and serious health problems in the esophagus. Treatment involves a variety of treatment methods, depending on the severity of the patient's symptoms and lifestyle. Treatment can be divided into three main categories: lifestyle changes, drug therapy, and surgical interventions.

One of the most effective ways to relieve symptoms is through changes in lifestyle and eating habits. Some simple changes can significantly reduce reflux symptoms.

Avoid foods that can increase stomach acid, such as acidic, spicy, fatty foods, chocolate, and caffeine.

Lying down immediately after eating should be avoided. Staying in an upright position for at least 2-3 hours after eating can relieve reflux symptoms.

Eating small and frequent meals prevents excessive load on the stomach and can control reflux by reducing stomach pressure.

Reflux patients should sleep on a bed with their head elevated. The head and chest should be elevated when lying down to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.

Lying on the left side can also relieve reflux symptoms because in this position, stomach acid is less likely to leak into the esophagus.

Obesity is a major factor that increases the risk of reflux. Excess weight can put pressure on the stomach, causing acid to leak into the esophagus. Therefore, reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce reflux symptoms.

Smoking causes the stomach valve to relax, which makes it easier for stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Alcohol can increase stomach acid and trigger reflux symptoms. Quitting smoking and alcohol can relieve reflux symptoms.

Medications control the production of stomach acid. Thus, they aim to reduce irritation in the esophagus. Medications recommended by the physician may vary depending on the severity of reflux.

Antacids: Provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid, but these medications are only effective for short-term, mild symptoms.

H2 Receptor Blockers: These medications reduce the production of stomach acid and control heartburn. They last longer and relieve reflux symptoms.

PPIs are the most powerful inhibitors of stomach acid production. These medications, such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, suppress stomach acid for a long time, thus improving irritation in the esophagus and preventing reflux symptoms.

Prokinetic drugs: Prevent stomach acid from leaking into the esophagus by accelerating stomach emptying. These drugs may help relieve symptoms, but should be used with caution because of their side effects.

If the complaints continue or cause serious complications, surgical intervention is performed. Surgical treatment may be an option for patients who do not prefer medication for a long time or who do not respond to drug treatment.

Fundoplication Surgery: The most common surgical method is fundoplication. In this surgery, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower part of the esophagus to prevent stomach acid from leaking into the esophagus.

Endoscopic Treatments: Endoscopic methods are also used as a less invasive option. In these techniques, the muscles at the bottom of the esophagus are strengthened. This prevents stomach acid from leaking.

Herbal Teas: Some herbal teas can soothe the stomach and relieve reflux symptoms.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera juice can help against reflux with its soothing effect on irritation in the stomach and esophagus.

Chewing Gum: Chewing gum can neutralize acid in the esophagus by increasing saliva production.