SYMPTOMS OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX?

2 typical symptoms:

1. Heartburn:

Burning sensation in the sternum area, spreading along the back of the sternum up to the neck.

Usually occurs after meals (especially overeating, eating sour, spicy foods, chocolate, greasy foods, drinking alcohol), exercise, and when lying down.

2. Regurgitation:

• It is the reflux of food in the stomach into the oropharynx without vomiting.
• Sour and hot feeling in the neck and mouth.
• Bending position or movement increases abdominal wall pressure causing regurgitation.

Other symptoms may include epigastric pain, bloating, difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, nausea/vomiting, salivation, hoarseness, and chest pain (non-cardiac) ...

RISK FACTORS FOR GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX?

• Pregnancy: increased abdominal pressure
• Hiatal hernia: a condition in which part of the stomach goes up into the patient's chest cavity through the hernia hole
• Obesity
• Gastroparesis
• Medications: some medications can increase gastroesophageal reflux
• Smoking, passive smoking
• Some exercises can increase reflux: weightlifting, lifting heavy objects, exercising after eating
• Lifestyle: eating a lot late at night, stress, eating a lot of fatty foods, lying down after eating

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX?

If you have risk factors and symptoms of GERD, your doctor may suggest:

• Gastroesophageal endoscopy
• Measure 24-hour esophageal pH

HOW IS GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX TREATED?

• Treatment is with medication as prescribed by your doctor and combined with lifestyle adjustments.
• Some severe cases may require surgery.

HOW TO IMPROVE GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

How to adjust lifestyle in gastroesophageal reflux?

• Chew food thoroughly
• Sit up straight
• Raise the head of the bed when sleeping
• Do not drink water while eating
• Take a light walk after eating
• Control stress
• Stop smoking
• Limit alcohol
• Exercise regularly, avoid exercising right after eating
• Do not eat close to bedtime, last meal should be at least 3 hours before bedtime
• Wear comfortable clothes that are not tight
• Divide meals into smaller portions throughout the day, don't eat too much at one meal