Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux, popularly known as reflux, is explained as the escape of stomach acid into the esophagus. Although it cannot be determined exactly how common it is in the society, considering that people experience reflux complaints at some point in their lives, this rate is approximately 20%.

Although the distribution of reflux in men and women is almost equal, some people experience it temporarily. Although reflux improves spontaneously in some patients, the problems it causes affect the quality of life of patients.

The mucus layer at the bottom of the esophagus is damaged due to stomach acid escaping back into the esophagus. This injury causes patients to feel burning in the back of the chest.

What is atypical reflux?

Atypical reflux disease is a subset of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Atypical reflux, which is one of the most common problems, is between 10% and 20% in western countries. However, it is thought that the number of patients is much higher than these rates due to the availability of over-the-counter medicines in the market.

The symptoms seen in atypical reflux patients differ from the symptoms seen in reflux patients. For this reason, they are classified as atypical reflux. These patients develop edema inside the esophagus. This edema causes patients to feel as if they have a lump in their throat.

What are the Symptoms of Reflux?

As a result of the relaxation of the gastric valve, stomach acid escapes into the esophagus and patients experience the following symptoms.

• Allergic asthma,
• Tooth decay
• Chronic sinusitis,
• Bloating
• Burping,
• Bad breath
• Bitter water in the mouth,
• Weight loss,
• The return of food waste,
• Burning in the chest,
• Heartburn
• Heartburn

There is also a possibility that stomach acid can get into the trachea. The symptoms shown as a result of patients experiencing this condition are as follows:

• Excessive snoring,
• Sleep disorders,
• Nocturnal asthma attacks,
• Don't feel like you have something stuck in your throat,
• Cough
• Hoarseness
• Sore throat

Atypical reflux symptoms

Atypical reflux symptoms show symptoms different from the symptoms of reflux disease. Since the symptoms of atypical reflux are similar to other diseases, it is more difficult to diagnose than reflux disease. Symptoms seen in atypical reflux are as follows.

• Chest pain of non-cardiac origin: When patients complain of recurrent chest pain of varying intensity, cardiac causes should be ruled out first. If chest pain is not due to cardiac causes, atypical reflux should be considered. It should also be known that chest pain due to atypical reflux is more common in women.
• Pulmonary symptoms: pulmonary symptoms, which are among the symptoms of atypical reflux, are often confused with respiratory diseases. Because stomach acid escaping into the lungs causes patients to experience chronic cough and frequent upper respiratory tract infections. Some patients also experience asthma-like symptoms.
• Common symptoms: among the most common symptoms of atypical reflux is that stomach acid causes burning in the sinuses and throat. Patients also experience sore throat and hoarseness. In addition, a feeling of a lump in the throat can be caused by inflammation of the hypopharynx.

What are Reflux Tests? (How to Diagnose)

After consulting a physician with one or more of the symptoms of reflux, physicians prescribe proton inhibitor class drugs to the patient to relieve the symptoms. Patients should use these medicines for 1 to 2 weeks. The patient is then checked again. Patients are diagnosed with reflux if the symptoms disappear during the use of the medication and recur when the medication is stopped.

Another method used for the diagnosis of reflux disease is 24-hour pH monitoring. In this method, a small device is inserted through the nose into the stomach entrance. This device measures the pH levels of specific points in the esophagus for 24 hours.

Another method used to diagnose reflux is Barium esophagus stomach duodenum radiography. In this method, the esophagus is visualized while patients drink barium.

The last method used to diagnose reflux is gastroscopy. Gastroscopy, one of the endoscopic imaging methods, can also diagnose reflux.

Reflux Treatment Methods

The most effective method for treating reflux is lifestyle changes. Thanks to these changes, the majority of patients can be treated without the need for medication.

For some patients, lifestyle changes alone are not enough. Medication may also be needed. The medicines used for this treatment are used to suppress stomach acid.

Finally, there is a surgical option in the treatment of reflux. In this option, the muscle in the stomach valve is strengthened to prevent stomach acid from escaping into the esophagus.

Reflux Diet

Reflux can usually be treated with lifestyle changes. For this, patients should pay particular attention to their diet and lifestyle.

First of all, patients should reduce the portions in their meals. In addition to reducing their portions, they should also increase the frequency of their meals.

Heavy meals should be avoided. Hot, spicy, vinegar, fried, oily, greasy, tomato paste dishes should not be consumed. Chocolate and acidic foods should also be avoided.

In addition to losing excess weight, smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided.

Consuming very hot or cold foods should also be avoided as it will cause damage to the esophagus.

Do not go to bed until at least 3 hours after eating. Exercise should also be avoided in the same way.

Clothes with a tight waist should not be worn. For this reason, belts and corsets should not be used.

The head of the bed should be raised 15 - 20 cm so that the head is above the chest.

Folding of the stomach after meals should be avoided.

Reflux Surgery

Reflux surgeries are the last preferred treatment option in reflux treatment. The aim of reflux surgeries is to compress the lower part of the esophagus and prevent stomach acid from going up.

Differences Between Reflux and Gastritis

The most important difference between reflux and gastritis is that gastritis is caused by the bacteria called helicobacter. On the other hand, reflux is just stomach acid escaping upwards. The symptoms of reflux and gastritis are similar. For this reason, further tests are required to diagnose it.

Reflux in Children

Reflux in children is increasing its incidence day by day. Because the symptoms in children are different from those in adults, they are often difficult to diagnose. Symptoms in children include restlessness, nausea, weight loss or inability to gain weight.

If reflux in children is not treated, there is a serious decrease in their quality of life. In addition, untreated pediatric reflux can cause allergies, asthma, recurrent middle ear infections and pneumonia.

What is Good for Reflux?

Some foods help to reduce the symptoms of reflux. The first of these foods is oats. The fact that oats are rich in fiber makes them easy to enzyme. This makes the work of the digestive system easier.

Another food that is good for reflux is fish. Fish, which is rich in Omega 3, provides relief from reflux pain. Other benefits include the following among the nutrients.

• Celery
• Cabbage
• Banana,
• Broccoli
• Boiled potatoes.

How Should Reflux Patients Eat?

There are foods that reflux patients should consume and avoid Among the foods that reflux patients should add to their diets are the following:

• Soy milk
• Skim milk
• Milk without cream,
• Low-fat yogurt,
• Low-fat or skimmed milk,
• Lean and well-cooked red and white meat,
• Fish,
• Egg,
• Cereals
• Fruits with low acidity,
• Vegetable oils,

Foods that reflux patients should stay away from are as follows:

• Chocolate
• Frozen products,
• Alcohol,
• Roasts
• All foods high in fat,
• Spices
• Tea,
• Coffee,
• Delicatessen products,
• Carbonated drinks,
• Energy drinks,
• Tomatoes
• Lemon,
• Tangerine
• Onion
• Garlic
• Pickles
• Mint,
• Orange
• Nuts,
• Grapefruit

Reflux Symptoms in Babies

Reflux is a very common condition in infants. It is especially common in babies younger than 3 months. Reflux in infants is expected to completely resolve between 12 and 18 months. If symptoms persist, a specialist should be consulted. Reflux symptoms seen in babies are as follows.

In babies older than 12 months, spitting up is a sign of reflux. While it does not cause any discomfort in some babies, it can cause pain and attacks in some babies.

In case of esophageal damage, babies may have difficulty swallowing and therefore refuse to be fed. It is also a symptom that babies become restless during feeding.

Fluid coming into babies' mouths during burping and hiccups is another symptom of infant reflux.

It is difficult for babies with reflux to gain weight. On the other hand, weight loss can also occur due to vomiting.

Infant reflux symptoms include backward stretching, frequent coughing, gagging, choking, burning sensation in the chest and frequent sleep interruptions.