Reflux Treatment

Reflux

Food enters the stomach through the esophagus. Reflux occurs when the stomach contents flow back into the esophagus due to various reasons. It is a very common condition. The stomach contents are highly acidic because of gastric secretions. Occasionally, bile from the duodenum flows back into the stomach, resulting in stomach contents containing both acid and bile. In reflux disease, the acidic and/or bile-containing stomach contents flow into the esophagus, remaining in contact with it for an extended period. Over time, the esophagus loses its ability to protect itself from these substances.

There are two types of reflux: GER (Gastroesophageal Reflux) and LFR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux).

In gastroesophageal reflux, acidic stomach contents escape into the esophagus. In laryngopharyngeal reflux, the acidic contents reach the pharynx and may travel further into the larynx, behind the vocal cords.

Typically, about 30 minutes after eating, a burning sensation starts in the chest, radiating upwards. This sensation intensifies with physical activity or bending forward. The burning may be felt in the stomach, throat, or neck and, in some cases, in the shoulders, back, or even arms.

Gastroesophageal reflux presents with both typical and atypical symptoms.

In laryngopharyngeal reflux, atypical symptoms are usually more prominent, and typical symptoms may be entirely absent.

Typical Symptoms of Reflux

• Burning sensation behind the breastbone,
• Bitter or sour liquid rising into the mouth,
• Belching and bloating,
• Food remnants regurgitating into the mouth,
• Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food sticking in the throat.

Atypical Symptoms of Reflux

• Hoarseness
• Persistent tickling cough
• Bad breath
• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath or a feeling of breathlessness
• Asthma
• Tooth decay
• Hiccups
• Chronic pharyngitis
• Chronic sinusitis

Even healthy individuals may experience physiological reflux, especially after meals. This type of reflux is considered normal. However, if the symptoms listed above are present, it indicates that physiological limits have been exceeded, and harmful effects have begun.

Reflux is a condition that significantly reduces quality of life. It can lead to complications such as laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, asthma, esophagitis, Barrett’s disease (a precursor to esophageal cancer), pneumonia caused by stomach fluid entering the lungs, gastrointestinal bleeding, and growth retardation in children.

Treatment of Reflux

The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Alongside medical treatment, patients must adjust their lifestyle. Recommendations include: raising the head of the bed or sleeping with a high pillow; avoiding alcohol, smoking, and caffeine; refraining from consuming spicy, fatty, fried foods, tomatoes, and chocolate; avoiding tight clothing, corsets, belts, and restrictive pants; waiting at least two hours after eating before lying down.

Recommended foods include boiled chicken breast, baked or boiled potatoes, apples, bananas, feta cheese, fat-free cream cheese, oats, eggs, white or brown rice, fish, bran, bread, broccoli, cabbage, beans, carrots, and lean ground meat.

Medication is generally effective, and most patients see improvement. However, 30% of patients require lifelong medication. For those needing continuous medication, experiencing recurring symptoms after stopping medication, or having severe esophageal damage, laparoscopic reflux surgery offers a permanent solution. This procedure has a success rate of 90%.