According to statistics, one in every five people will have experienced symptoms of acid reflux, which obviously looks very ordinary, but if it is not treated in time, it will not only seriously affect the quality of life, but also cause serious consequences such as rhinitis, otitis media, asthma, and even gastrointestinal perforation and necrosis. There are many reasons for our reflux phenomenon, two of which are very important, namely cardia relaxation and hiatal hernia.
What is cardia relaxation?
The place where our stomach and esophagus are combined is called the cardia, and there is a sphincter on this gate. When it contracted, the cardia closed. When there is a problem with the cardia and it is not closed tightly, the things in the stomach will flow upstream and enter the esophagus, mouth, trachea and other places.
What is a hiatal hernia?
There is a flattened layer of muscle between the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity of the human body called the "diaphragm". When people breathe, the diaphragm participates in breathing, moving up and down. In order for the esophagus to connect within the thoracic and abdominal cavity, there is a hole in the diaphragm called the "esophageal hole". Due to aging, obesity, pregnancy, chronic diseases, irregular lifestyles, improper dietary structures and other reasons, the esophageal rifts are loose and enlarged, resulting in organs that should be in the abdominal cavity being squeezed into the chest cavity, compressing the heart and lungs in the chest cavity. Because the pressure of the abdominal cavity is much higher than that of the chest cavity, these organs squeezed into the chest cavity may be twisted, resulting in ischemia, perforation, necrosis, and then cause fatal conditions such as purulent peritonitis and chest abscess.
What are the symptoms of hiatal hernia and cardia laxity?
Common symptoms: acid reflux, heartburn, retrosternal pain, rhinitis, asthma, periodontal problems, otitis media
Symptoms unique to hiatal hernia: vomiting, chest tightness, nausea, hematemesis, melena, anemia, inability to eat
Can people with acid reflux symptoms eat tomatoes and citrus fruits?
Tomatoes and citrus foods can stimulate stomach acid secretion and are best not eaten if the patient is in an acute episode of reflux. However, if the reflux symptoms have been alleviated, especially during the recovery period of drug withdrawal, you can try to slowly increase the amount of consumption, but the amount of consumption should be controlled within 50 grams.
Can acid reflux people drink gaseous drinks?
Beverages containing sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated ingredients can stimulate gastric acid secretion and are not suitable for patients with reflux symptoms. In addition, soups containing spices such as five-spice powder and white pepper are not suitable for patients with reflux symptoms.
Do people with reflux symptoms have to get esophageal cancer?
Our gastric acid pH is between 1-2, equivalent to the acidity of hydrochloric acid, and long-term gastroesophageal reflux will cause acidic substances to continuously stimulate the mucous membrane of the lower esophagus, which is not only easy to lead to inflammation, but also may be transformed into Barrett's esophagus, that is, the precancerous lesion of esophageal cancer. Therefore, once a long-lasting reflux symptom occurs, it is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible to relieve the symptoms.
How should I get a medical examination if I have reflux problems?
●Gastroesophageal motility test. This test requires a small probe in the nostril passage into the esophageal cardia position for 24-hour cardia pressure monitoring.
●Capsule gastroscopy. The patient swallows a capsule gastroscope into the cardia position, and after 24-hour monitoring, the capsule gastroscope can be excreted on its own.
●Upper respiratory angiography. Patients need to take a paste-like barium sulfate or a contrast agent such as glaucoma glucosamine, followed by x-rays.
In the case of gastroesophageal reflux, conservative treatment and lifestyle modification can generally be used to help relieve symptoms, but if there is a hiatal hernia, surgery is usually required. (Source "Workplace Health Class") Proofreading Lou Hao