Reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease - or GERD for short. It is one of the most common diseases of the digestive tract. Around 20 percent of the population suffer from the symptoms of reflux disease. When acidic stomach contents back up into the oesophagus, reflux causes burning pain - also known as heartburn.
Here you will find all the important information about the disease as well as highly qualified reflux specialists.
The term reflux disease encompasses various symptoms. What they have in common is that they are caused by an increased reflux of acidic stomach contents into the oesophagus.
This reflux is caused by an impaired closure mechanism of the lower esophageal sphincter.
Risk factors that can promote such reflux include
There are two main possible causes of reflux disease:
Both triggers can be either
occur.
The oesophagus and stomach - healthy on the left, with reflux on the right © bilderzwerg / Fotolia
The main symptom of reflux disease is usually heartburn. Almost everyone experiences heartburn at least once in their life. It is a burning pain behind the breastbone.
This pain can occur in combination with a sour taste in the mouth and frequent belching.
Other symptoms that can accompany reflux disease are
A characteristic feature of reflux disease is that the above-mentioned symptoms often occur
occur.
First of all, the doctor asks about the patient ' s symptoms
This is followed by a thorough physical examination.
If the suspicion of reflux is confirmed, the doctor has various examination options available.
Endoscopy is an examination method that can be used to assess the inside of organs. An endoscope, a thin tube, is inserted through a natural body opening into the affected organ. The image is magnified in real time and displayed on a monitor via the integrated camera.
In the case of esophagoscopy, the endoscope is accessed through the mouth and throat. Esophagoscopy allows the esophageal mucosa to be assessed.
The doctor can also determine whether and to what extent there is inflammation of the mucous membrane. It is also possible to take a mucosal sample during this examination. It is then analyzed in the laboratory with the aim of identifying changes in the tissue.
pH metry is another examination option for diagnosing reflux. A thin probe is inserted into the patient's oesophagus via the nose. It remains there for up to 24 hours.
The aim is to continuously measure the acidity level within the oesophagus, i.e. its pH value, over a longer period of time.
This examination can be used to determine whether and in what quantities stomach contents are flowing back into the oesophagus.
In some cases, an X-ray examination is useful to precisely assess the patient's swallowing process. This involves the patient swallowing a contrast medium that can be seen in the X-ray image.
Some symptoms indicate damage to the airways. In this case, an additional examination by an ear, nose and throat specialist is recommended.
Those affected by reflux disease often suffer from indigestion. This can be reduced by eating a diet as rich in protein as possible. Proteins stimulate the stomach to produce the hormone gastrin. Gastrin in turn improves the muscle tension of the oesophageal sphincter so that it can close better again.
In principle, the course of reflux disease can be positively influenced by a balanced, healthy diet. Small portions that are low in fat and carbohydrates are recommended.
It is also advisable to eat meals a few hours before going to bed.
If you have reflux disease, you should avoid alcohol completely if possible. Alcohol leads to relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter and direct damage to the gastric mucosa.
People who suffer from reflux disease should generally avoid nicotine. Nicotine leads to an increase in gastric acid production.
On the other hand, the influence of coffee on reflux disease is controversial: on the one hand, caffeine can stimulate stomach acid production, which can lead to further irritation of the mucous membrane. On the other hand, caffeine increases the production of gastrin, which improves the functionality of the oesophageal sphincter.
As a rule, the doctor first prescribes conventional therapy for reflux patients. In addition to the above-mentioned self-help measures, there may also be an accompanying drug therapy.
Surgery(anti-reflux surgery) is necessary if
Proton pump inhibitors are the medication of choice for reflux therapy. These drugs are generally well tolerated. They eliminate the symptoms in 70-90 percent of those affected.
However, as soon as the tablets are discontinued, symptoms recur in half of patients.
Drugs that reduce stomach acid - so-called antacids - have also proven to be useful.
Fundoplication is an anti-reflux surgery. It is useful, for example, if reflux disease repeatedly leads to inflammation of the oesophagus. This results in scarring, which causes the oesophagus to narrow.
Theaim of fundoplication surgery is to
During fundoplication surgery, the upper part of the stomach is placed around the esophageal outlet and sutured © Alila Medical Media | AdobeStock
Magnetic ring surgery is a comparatively new and gentle surgical procedure for anti-reflux surgery. The doctor places a chain of magnetic beads around the exit of the esophagus.
The magnetic beads attract each other and seal the anti-reflux valve by pulling the chain together. When swallowing, the beads can move apart, allowing food and drink to pass through.
The advantages over conventional reflux surgery are that
This surgical procedure is usually minimally invasive. The operation takes around 20 minutes.
The symptoms of reflux disease usually lead patients to their family doctor first. In severe cases, internists and gastroenterologists supplement the individual reflux therapy.
These specialists in internal medicine and gastroenterology are specialists in the treatment of reflux disease. After studying human medicine, they specialize in several years of specialist training in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the internal organs, in particular the organs of the digestive system.
Reflux disease is comparatively widespread. It can be treated well with the help of self-help measures and, under certain circumstances, concomitant drug therapy.
The specialist will decide whether surgical treatment is advisable after an individual consultation and discussion of the findings.
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