Gastroesophageal reflux disease: causes, treatment, diet

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestive disorder manifested by the constant return of gastric contents in the esophagus, which causes unpleasant symptoms and, in some cases, complications. It can be caused by various factors, such as lowering the lower esophageal sphincter, obesity, pregnancy or administration of certain drugs.

Changing diet and avoiding certain problem foods / drinks are among the main treatment lines for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Find out more useful information about the correct approach to this health problem and do not hesitate to seek specialized medical support, if you face its manifestations!

Causes and risk factors

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (BRGE) can be caused by:

• inadequate weakening or relaxation of the inferior esophageal sphincter: this muscle valve that separates the stomach esophagus is normally closed immediately after the food passes; If it is weakened or relaxed too often, gastric acid can repair in the esophagus; represents the main cause of this condition;
• Hiatal hernia: occurs when part of the stomach climbs to the chest, transiting the diaphragm; For this reason, the interior esophageal sphincter can lose its elasticity, which can favor gastric content reflux.

Risk factors contributing to BRGE:

• Obesity: causes increased abdominal pressure, favoring reflux;
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter;
• Smoking: Nicotine can cause loss of inferior esophageal sphincter flexibility;
• Certain foods and drinks: fatty, fried, spicy, chocolate, coffee, alcohol and carbonated drinks can aggravate the symptoms;
• Certain drugs: anticholinergics, calcium channel blockers or tricyclic antidepressants can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter;
• Delayed emptying of the stomach: if food stays for longer in the stomach, the risk of reflux increases;
• Scleroderma: autoimmune disease that affects the connective tissue and weakens the inferior esophageal sphincter;
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: rare condition manifested by the appearance of tumor formations that produce excess gastric acid.

Treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (BRGE) aims to reduce symptoms (burns, acid regurgitation, chest pain) and prevent complications (esophagitis, esophageal strictures, Barrett esophagus). The therapeutic approach involves changes in lifestyle, drug treatment and, in severe cases, surgical treatment.

Lifestyle changes (first treatment line)

• Avoid food products that trigger / aggravate specific symptoms:
  • Fat foods: fried foods, fast food, pizza, chips, fatty meat;
  • citrusas: oranges, lemons, grapefruit;
  • tomatoes and red -based products: tomato sauce, tomato juice;
  • chocolate;
  • mint;
  • coffee and carbonated drinks;
  • alcoholic beverages;
  • spices: pepper, chili, garlic, onion;
  • Fat dairy: full milk, fatty cheeses.

Other important changes in the lifestyle level:

• quitting smoking;
• weight loss.

Drug treatment

• Antacids: neutralizes gastric acid; quick but short -lived effect;
• H2 receptor blockers: reduce acid production;
• Proton pump inhibitors:
  • basic treatment for moderate and severe forms;
  • It is usually given in the morning, on an empty stomach, for maximum efficiency.

Surgical treatment

• for severe cases or when drug treatment fails;
• The Nissen Fundoplication involves strengthening the esophageal sphincter by wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the esophagus.

Monitoring and investigations

• Higher digestive endoscopy: for evaluating the severity of esophagitis or if there is suspicion of complications;
• PH-Esophageal pH: if the diagnosis is uncertain or for the assessment of the non-acid reflux.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: Diet recommended

The severe manifestations of the condition can be kept under control by changing certain eating habits. Program yourself now for a meeting with the specialist, to receive recommendations and other endured tips to rethink your diet- Gastroenterology cabinet in Calarasi. Here is a list of recommended foods for BRGE patients:

• vegetables: green beans, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, potatoes, cucumbers;
• whole grains: oats, brown rice, whole bread;
• Fruits (non-read): bananas, apples, pears, melons, watermelon;
• lean meat and seafood: chicken, turkey, fish;
• Healthy fats: avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil;
• Albușuri: represents a good source of weak protein.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (BRGE) is a managing condition. By recognizing symptoms and adopting a healthy lifestyle, which implies important changes in the structure of the food program, the impact of the long -term disease on the quality of patients can be significantly reduced.

Disclaimer: This article has a pure informative role and does not replace the approved advice of a gastroenterologist. Do you accuse symptoms possible with this medical problem or are you looking for solutions for a diet adapted to its dynamics? It is important to seek specialized medical help! We are waiting for you at the Alpha Clinic Medical Center in Calarasi!

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/reflux-dishaase-gerd-1

https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd-acid-reflux/diet-restriceons