Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastro esophageal reflux is defined as mucosal damage produced by abnormal reflux in the esophagus. In normal conditions, the food swallowed is passed through esophagus into the stomach through a portal called the lower esophageal sphincter LES, which helps the food to go down and mix with the acids in the stomach and then it closes tight to prevent backflow of stomach contents. But in abnormal conditions the LES does not contract as it should, causing the stomach contents and acids to flow backwards into the esophagus creating irritation in the lungs, inflammation and a burning sensation this back flow is called reflux. This back flow is pretty normal in adults when it happens frequently because the swallowing of the saliva helps the acids to wash away from the esophagus thus protecting its vulnerable walls.

Symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux in adults are the inflammation in the esophagus, difficulty swallowing, and chronic chest pain. Typical symptoms may include cough, hoarseness in voice, chronic ear pain, chest pain and nausea. The presence of hiatal hernia is a risk factor of gastro esophageal reflux. In young children, the LES is relatively relaxed so they spit up often. This is called physiological reflux. Over the time the LES strengthens resulting in less spit ups. But if this condition persists, it is called pathologic reflux resulting in weight loss.

Symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux includes poor weight gain, heart burn, irritability, bad breath, cavities, wheezing, chronic cough, pain with eating and pneumonia. Gastro esophageal reflux is not contagious and it recovers itself over time. If the reflux is often and it persists, then the doctor should be consulted for proper treatment. The diagnosis might include Ph probes or x-rays. Most medications which reduce stomach acid are prescribed.

When the doctors do not prescribe any medications to cure reflux prescribes a healthy lifestyle to be followed. Caffeine, alcohol and smoking should be cut down. Healthy diet plan must be followed, walk should be taken after meals and fatty and acidic food must be controlled. A number of drugs are also helpful in this regard. Some of them are proton pump inhibiters, antacids, alginic acid, prokinetics and sucralfate. Proper posture is also very helpful in controlling reflux. Elevating the head off the bed reduces chances of reflux.