Overview of reflux esophagitis

This is an automatically translated article.

Posted by Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

1. What is Acid Reflux and GERD?

Acid reflux occurs when substances from the stomach move up the esophagus. It is also known as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease, reflux esophagitis.
If you have acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week, you may have a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), GERD affects about 20 percent of people in the United States. If left untreated, it can sometimes cause serious complications.

2. Symptoms of GERD

Acid reflux can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest, which can spread to the neck. This sensation is often referred to as heartburn.
If you have acid reflux, you may develop a sour or bitter taste in the back of your mouth. It can also cause you to regurgitate food or liquid from your stomach into your mouth.
In some cases, GERD can cause difficulty swallowing. It can sometimes lead to breathing problems, such as a chronic cough or asthma.

3. Causes of reflux esophagitis

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a circular band of muscle at the end of your esophagus. When it's working properly, it expands and opens when you swallow. Then it tightens and closes afterwards.
Acid reflux occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter doesn't tighten or close properly. This allows digestive juices and other substances from the stomach to back up into the esophagus.

4. Diagnosis of GERD

If your doctor suspects you may have GERD, they will conduct a physical exam and ask about any symptoms you are experiencing. They may use one or more of the following procedures to confirm the diagnosis or check for complications of GERD:
X-ray of the esophagus with Baryt: after drinking the baryt solution, radiographs are used to check examine your upper digestive tract
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy : a flexible tube with a small camera is threaded into your esophagus to examine it and collect a tissue sample (biopsy) if needed
Esophageal motility measurement esophageal manometer: a flexible tube is threaded into your esophagus to measure the strength of your esophageal muscles.
Esophageal pH monitoring: a monitor is inserted into your esophagus to find out if and when stomach acid enters the esophagus

5. Effects of Food on GERD

Studies have shown that at least 4 out of 10 people in the United States experience heartburn one or more times per week. Such a frequency may indicate GERD. You may also be diagnosed with silent GERD, known as esophageal disease, with no symptoms.
Whether you have symptoms or not, your doctor can recommend lifestyle treatments in addition to medication to improve the health of your esophagus. Lifestyle treatment may include avoiding certain foods that may worsen their symptoms.

For some people, heartburn symptoms can be triggered by certain foods. Certain substances can irritate the esophagus or weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (lower esophageal sphincter). A weakened lower esophageal sphincter can lead to backflow of stomach contents - and cause acid reflux. Triggers can include:
Alcohol Caffeinated products, such as coffee, soda and tea Chocolates Citrus fruits Garlic High-fat foods Onions Mints and mints Spicy foods You can You can try limiting your intake of both coffee and tea if you have GERD and see if your symptoms improve. Both can cause relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. But not every food and drink affects individuals in the same way.
Food journaling can help you identify which foods worsen your reflux symptoms and which don't.

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