Complaints of heartburn, chest pain, a feeling of gastric contents being thrown into the esophagus may indicate the development of gastroesophageal reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This disease is extremely common, up to half of the world's adult population have symptoms of GERD, 10% of people over 50 suffer from its complications.

The mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract is well protected from the action of the acids that it produces. The inner surface of the esophagus has no such protection. With regular ingestion of gastric contents on the mucous membrane of the esophagus, its inflammation develops. The main cause of GERD is upper gastric sphincter weakness. In the vast majority of cases, GERD is associated with chronic gastritis.

People with reflux disease don't pay much attention to their health.. In some cases, serious complications develop. The most common is narrowing of the lower esophagus as a result of chronic inflammation. The act of swallowing is impaired, which causes great inconvenience while eating, this is a sign of reflux. GERD dramatically increases the likelihood of esophageal cancer. For residents of European countries, this is the main risk factor for the development of the disease..

You can diagnose reflux disease in a hospital or clinic.. This will require fibrogastroscopy (FGS), which will show the severity of changes in the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach. Measurement of pressure in the region of the lower esophageal sphincter will help in diagnosis.

An assessment of the acidity level (Ph-metry) in the esophagus and stomach is also required.. Constrictions are detected by x-ray or endoscopic methods.

Gastroesophageal reflux is a chronic disease, and its treatment should be comprehensive. A special diet, diet, drug therapy is prescribed. In cases with complications, surgery may be necessary. Any intervention must be coordinated with a gastroenterologist to avoid the consequences of illiterate treatment..

medvesti. com.