Reflux disease is a very common upper digestive system problem. It occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach escape back into the esophagus as a result of relaxation in the transition area between the esophagus and the stomach.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of reflux are heartburn, burning in the abdomen and chest, pain and bitter water in the mouth. In some patients, atypical symptoms such as sore throat, hoarseness, cough may occur due to the refluxing acid without these complaints.
How is Reflux Disease Detected?
Determining the patient’s complaints is the most basic method in the diagnosis of reflux. Endoscopy is performed to detect damage to the esophagus. Continuous pH measurement may be required for the definitive diagnosis of the disease in patients with atypical symptoms or before further treatments. For this purpose, a small device called BRAVO capsule, which measures acid, is placed at the lower end of the esophagus and the 48-hour measurement results are evaluated on the computer. Since the capsule is very small, it does not cause any discomfort during the stay in the esophagus.
Treatment of Reflux Disease
Medication or surgery can be applied in reflux disease.
Medication is the most common treatment. Reflux and the problems it creates are eliminated with drugs that stop stomach acid secretion. These drugs are proven to be effective and safe. However, in most of the patients, it is necessary to use the drugs continuously, the symptoms of the disease return when the drug is stopped. Diet is recommended to support drug therapy. For this purpose, it is recommended not to consume coffee, chocolate, very fatty foods, pastries, carbonated drinks, cigarettes and alcohol. In addition, it is necessary to finish the meal at least 3 hours before going to bed at night.
Surgical treatment is an effective treatment method applied by the closed method (laparoscopic) today. In this surgery, the passage between the stomach and the esophagus is narrowed. Since the procedure is performed without opening the abdomen, the hospital stay is only 1 day.
The physician and patient decide together which of these methods is appropriate for the patient. Reflux disease is a problem that must be treated, because it not only impairs the patient’s quality of life, but also can lead to important complications in the esophagus.
