It is one of the most frequently encountered problems in clinical medicine. Almost everyone encounters these complaints at some point in their life.
Reflux disease; It occurs with the escape of gastric acid and stomach contents from the stomach into the esophagus.
Our patients usually tell us; behind the sternum, rarely on the back and stomach; They come with complaints such as burning in the stomach, sourness, sour bitter water in the mouth or the arrival of the eaten food.
Reflux disease also causes some problems outside the esophagus. Long-lasting unexplained dry cough, recurrent hoarseness, a tickling sensation in the throat, recurrent chronic pharyngitis and reflux may occur under laryngitis. These patients go to the cardiology department with chest pain and reflux may occur. Some patients go to the Chest Diseases and ENT department due to cough and hoarseness, and reflux may occur.
The most important issue is which patients who come with these complaints should be investigated.
If the patient has one of the following complaints;
If he is over 45 years old and has reflux complaints for a long time
If it describes difficulty in swallowing food, stuck in the throat
If it describes bloody vomit from the mouth, blackening of the stool (like pitch)
If sudden unexplained weight loss develops
If there is persistent vomiting
If anemia (anemia) is detected in the examinations, it should definitely be investigated.
Patients with these complaints should go to a Gastroenterology Specialist as soon as possible. These patients should undergo a procedure called ENDOSCOPY, which enables imaging of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum with a camera device.
What should patients with these complaints pay attention to?
-Stay away from coffee and cola-acidic drinks
-Avoid certain foods that bother him or her (For example, too much bitterness, spice, oil, frying, chocolate, mint, tomato, onion) , pickles)
-Eat frequently but little food instead of a large meal
-Should not lie down in front of the TV immediately after eating (stay in a sitting position), at least 2 hours after meals should not go to bed before
-Should not eat late in the evening
-Try to lie on the left side
-Don’t rush while eating, bites should be chewed well
-Shouldn’t eat before exercise
-The head of the bed should be raised
-The drinking of coffee and tea should be reduced
– The tight clothing that can press on the abdomen should be loosened (For example; they should not wear tight belts and corsets)
– They should reduce the weight to the ideal weight (Slimming) )
-Smokers should quit smoking, Alcohol consumption should be stopped
-Painkillers should not be used if possible
-Sters should be avoided.
Reflux is involved in drug and surgical treatment. However, your doctor will make this treatment decision according to you.
