Reflux. A burning issue

In many cases, heartburn occurs when the acid contents of the stomach rise and irritate the tube along which food travels on its way to being digested. Normally, this tube, the oesophagus, is separated from the stomach by a circular muscle (the lower oesophageal sphincter), which acts as a valve to prevent stomach acid contents from being regurgitated. In medical terms, this acid regurgitation is called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

Heartburn or indigestion related to hyperacidity may occur when the muscle responsible for maintaining the stomach's contents in place is weakened or severely strained. Unlike the stomach, the oesophagus does not have a lining that protects it against the effects of acid. This tube's sole function is to transmit food from the mouth to the stomach, passing through the main muscle that allows us to breathe, the diaphragm.

What causes gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD?

Hiatus hernia is one of the most frequent causes of GERD. It describes a fold in the stomach that protrudes over to the wrong side of the diaphragm in many people over the age of 50. This fold weakens the lower oesophageal sphincter, which can no longer rely on the diaphragm's help to keep the stomach's contents in place. All factors that curtail the muscle tone of the oesophageal sphincter must be corrected in order to reduce the

drawbacks caused by reflux.

Causes of Reflux

Causes of weakening of 
the lower oesophageal sphincter

Causes of increased  pressure in the stomach

Smoking

Pregnancy
Caffeine (coffee, tea cola) Obesity
Chocolate Lying down
Fatty foods Large meal
Alcohol Very tight-fitting clothing
Mint  
Certain drugs  

It is also important to know that the symptoms of reflux will be more severe if the stomach’s contents are too acidic. Pepper, tomatoes, citrus fruits and their juices increase stomach acidity.

Am I really suffering from GERD?

Several other conditions cause pain that resembles GERD. It is not rare for GERD symptoms to be confused with those of a cardiac problem, a gallbladder problem, or even a muscular problem.

 

GERD Cardiac disorder Muscle disorder Gallbladder disorder

Aggravated by food

(relieved in ulcers)

 

Aggravated by food

and effort

 

Unaffected by food,

aggravated by

movement

 Aggravated food

Relieved by

antacids or nitro-glycerine

Relieved by rest or

nitro-glycerine

Relieved by rest and

analgesics

Relieved by

analgesics
Diffuse deep pain Tightness and difficulty breathing Local pain on the surface Diffuse deep pain
When must I consult a doctor?
Cardiac or gallbladder disorders should be examined immediately by a doctor.

Consultation is imperative if the GERD symptoms do not disappear after two weeks or when medication, or when warning signs are present. When in doubt, never hesitate to consult.

Warning signs

Bleeding of the digestive tube or dark stools

Difficulty swallowing Persistent vomiting

Voice change, particularly upon waking

If your symptoms persist despite taking the necessary measures, you can ask your pharmacist to recommend the antacid that would be the most effective for your condition. To make the right choice, your pharmacist will have to know if you are already taking medication or if you have other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or kidney disease.

Any other tips for getting relief?

Avoid going to bed within two hours after eating.


Raise the head of your bed by six to eight inches by placing blocks under the legs of your bed. Simply raising your head with pillows is useless, and can even cause cervical pain.

 

Courtesy - Liverpool Pharmacy 715 Krosno Blvd