Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach contents, including acid, flow back into the oesophagus. Optimally, the lower esophageal sphincter, called the lower esophageal sphincter, prevents the stomach contents from flowing back. However, under certain circumstances, for example if the oesophageal sphincter is not working properly, stomach contents can flow back into the oesophagus.
Untreated reflux can cause serious complications. These include oesophagitis, which is a risk factor for oesophageal cancer. Reflux disease is often associated with asthma and chronic cough. The backflow of stomach acid can irritate the airways and cause coughing or asthma attacks.
With proper treatment, you can significantly improve your quality of life and in many cases prevent or treat these complications. It is therefore important to make an early diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Before listing the symptoms, it is important to note that not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and some people may have more severe symptoms of reflux disease, while others may have milder symptoms. If you often experience the following symptoms, you may have reflux disease:
Heartburn: This is the most common symptom and causes a burning, painful sensation in the chest, often in the middle of the chest or behind the throat, but not everyone will experience it.
Sour taste sensation or back flow of fluid in the mouth: this symptom often occurs in the morning or after meals and leaves a sour, bitter taste in the mouth.
Regurgitation: This symptom refers to the reflux of gastric contents back into the oesophagus or even higher up into the throat or oral cavity.
Frequent sore throat or sore throat: Stomach acid can irritate the inner surface of the throat, leading to sore throat or throat inflammation.
Chronic cough: Reflux disease can cause a cough that may persist for a long time and not respond to conventional cough suppressants.
Difficulty or pain when swallowing: An irritated esophagus can make swallowing more difficult or painful.
Discomfort after meals: a feeling of fullness, bloating or discomfort after meals may also indicate reflux disease.
Possible complications due to reflux
Complications of reflux disease (GERD) can cause serious problems if not treated properly. Some common complications include:
Erosive Esophagitis: the backflow of stomach acid over time can damage the inner walls of the esophagus, causing erosion or inflammation called erosive esophagitis.
Barrett’s oesophagus: If reflux persists for a long time, even years, permanent damage to the inner wall of the oesophagus can lead to Barrett’s oesophagus. This disease is associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Oesophageal stricture: Inflammation can cause scarring in the oesophagus, which can lead to stricture, making it difficult for food and fluid to pass through.
Asthma and chronic cough: Reflux disease may be associated with asthma and chronic cough. Stomach acid can irritate the airways, causing respiratory symptoms.
Dental problems: the reflux of stomach acid can cause tooth decay and worsen overall dental and oral health.
Stomach acid can irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth, which can cause mouth inflammation, bad breath and other oral problems.
Dry cough and hoarseness: irritation caused by reflux disease can also cause dry cough and hoarseness.
Weight loss or malnutrition: Pain and discomfort may make affected individuals less likely to eat, which may cause weight loss or malnutrition in the long term.
Cancer risk: Barrett’s oesophagus is associated with an increased risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
Conservative treatment
Conservative treatment approach
Initial treatment focuses on conservative measures, including lifestyle changes and diet modifications, aimed at relieving symptoms and reducing gastric reflux. However, these methods are not sufficient for all patients, and in severe cases, medication or surgical intervention may be necessary. While conservative treatments are generally safe, adherence to strict dietary and lifestyle changes can be challenging.
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