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2022
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What causes acid reflux and heartburn? Understand these 6 points to prevent and treat it!
In life, many people have experienced feelings of acid reflux and heartburn. Sometimes the symptoms pass quickly and do not draw our attention. However, for some people, these symptoms can recur and even severely affect their lives, causing great distress. So, what exactly is acid reflux and heartburn?
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In life, many people have experienced the sensation of acid reflux and heartburn. Sometimes the symptoms pass quickly and do not attract our attention. However, for some people, these symptoms can recur and even severely affect their lives, causing great distress. So, what exactly is acid reflux and heartburn?
1. What are acid reflux and heartburn?
Acid reflux refers to the sensation of acidic stomach contents rising into the mouth and throat without nausea or straining. Heartburn refers to a burning sensation behind the sternum (chest area). Specifically, it is a burning pain or discomfort.
2. Under what circumstances do acid reflux and heartburn occur?
For most people, occasional acid reflux and heartburn are most commonly caused by eating too quickly or too much. However, if the symptoms recur, it is important to be alert to the possibility of disease. The most common disease that causes acid reflux and heartburn symptoms is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Additionally, digestive system diseases such as gastric ulcers and esophageal cancer, as well as cardiac diseases like angina, can also present with heartburn symptoms. Therefore, if symptoms recur, it is necessary to seek medical attention for differentiation.
3. What are the causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease?
The food we usually eat passes through the throat and esophagus into the stomach. If we compare the stomach to a castle, then the esophagus is the only one-way passage that delivers food to the castle. Between the stomach and esophagus, there is a gate called the lower esophageal sphincter, which guards the gate and maintains order in this passage. When food reaches the gate, it opens, allowing food to enter the stomach smoothly; however, when food or stomach acid from inside the castle tries to escape, they will firmly block it. However, some people have a naturally sensitive and weak lower esophageal sphincter, which can easily become compromised when stimulated; others may experience loosening of the sphincter with age, leading to repeated attacks on the gate, causing it to be pushed open slightly. As a result, stomach acid mixed with food can flow back up, causing damage in the esophagus and throat, leading to esophagitis, pharyngitis, and even esophageal ulcers, forming gastroesophageal reflux disease.
In daily life, there are many causes of gastroesophageal reflux. Long-term smoking and drinking, a preference for strong tea or coffee, and frequently consuming irritating foods can reduce the barrier function of the esophageal mucosa against reflux damage, leading to gastroesophageal reflux. Certain dietary habits, such as high-fat diets, factors that increase intra-abdominal pressure like pregnancy, obesity, ascites, constipation, vomiting, heavy labor, and some organic diseases like hiatal hernia or post-surgery for lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, as well as the use of certain medications like diazepam and some antihypertensive drugs, can lead to dysfunction or transient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, resulting in gastroesophageal reflux. Additionally, diseases that cause abnormal esophageal motility and reduced saliva secretion, such as Sjögren's syndrome, can reduce the esophagus's ability to clear, leading to gastroesophageal reflux.
4. What are the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease?
The most common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease are reflux and heartburn; if the reflux contains acid, it is referred to as acid reflux. Reflux and heartburn often occur about an hour after meals and are aggravated when lying down or bending over; some patients may experience symptoms during nighttime sleep. In addition to typical symptoms, atypical symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and a sensation of a foreign body behind the sternum may also occur. Some patients may even experience extra-esophageal symptoms such as pharyngitis, chronic cough, asthma, and dental erosion.
5. What consequences can gastroesophageal reflux disease cause?
If not treated properly for a long time, a small number of patients may experience serious consequences. Common complications include esophageal stricture, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous condition).
6. How to prevent and treat gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Any treatment is not as good as active prevention.
First,eliminate bad dietary habits. For example, quit smoking, quit drinking, and reduce the intake of strong tea and coffee. The diet should be light, and foods with strong flavors such as sour, sweet, and spicy should be eaten less.
Second,eat small meals more frequently, lose weight, and control body weight. Strictly control the intake of high-fat, high-protein, and high-calorie foods, and do not lie down immediately after eating. Avoid eating for four hours before bedtime to empty the stomach as much as possible, thereby reducing the reflux of stomach acid.
In addition,do not wear tight clothing, such as tight underwear or overly tight belts, as high abdominal pressure can also exacerbate acid reflux symptoms, and excessive constriction is not conducive to the stomach emptying the esophagus. Some medications can induce or worsen gastroesophageal reflux; check if there are sedatives like diazepam, calcium channel blockers like nifedipine, analgesics like aspirin, or nitrates like nitroglycerin in your daily medications. If reflux symptoms are severe, consult a physician for necessary medication adjustments, and if necessary, complete examinations such as gastroscopy, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, and esophageal manometry for further evaluation.
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