The gastroesophageal reflux , also known by the acronym RGE, refers to the passage of the contents of the stomach to the esophagus, something that normally should not occur. The lower esophageal sphincter, known in medicine as the LES, should prevent the passage of food by acting as a kind of valve.
However, when this muscular valve relaxes or is inappropriately altered, the gastric contents pass into the esophagus , causing irritation of the mucosa and presenting different symptoms and complications.
Index
Causes of gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux usually comes from improper lifestyles and / or diets .
Alcoholic beverages, coffee, fats, menthol, chocolate, pepper, and spices in general tend to promote LES relaxation, causing uncomfortable reflux. Of course, smoking is also one of the causes.
On many occasions, gastroesophageal reflux can be related to the existence of a hiatal hernia . Finally, any situation that involves an increase in abdominal pressure can cause reflux, such as pregnancy, obesity or, simply, some very aggressive physical exercises with that area of the body.
Reflux symptoms
The main symptom is heartburn, that burning or stinging that rises from the stomach to the throat .
The worst moments for those who suffer from reflux are usually after meals, especially if they are copious or with an excess of the inappropriate components that we have indicated previously.
Symptoms are also often worse during nighttime sleep and when the trunk is flexed.
GER can also cause hoarseness or hoarseness, due to acids that irritate the larynx.
Complications of reflux
Although rare, sometimes gastroesophageal reflux can cause a series of complications, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information
Diets and habits to avoid reflux
Normally a change in lifestyle and diet will be enough to eliminate or, at least, greatly reduce the uncomfortable discomfort caused by gastroesophageal reflux. These are some of the tips you should follow:
- Make a balanced and varied diet, ensuring that it is rich in fruits, vegetables and vegetable fiber.
- Decrease your intake of coffee, including decaffeinated ones. It is preferable that you replace it with infusions such as lemon balm or chamomile.
- Minimize fatty and spicy foods, especially spicy ones, as well as chocolate, and menthol. When it comes to drinks, avoid soda and alcohol.
- Eat light meals, going from the usual 3 to 5 to avoid feeling hungry, and chew your food well. Eating slowly is a great antidote to reflux.
- Try to avoid giving up fried foods and opt for cooked and boiled foods.
- Try to eat foods that are not excessively hot or cold.
- Minimize drinks during meals. It is preferable to drink between meals.
- Try not to eat food for 2 hours before going to bed, and when you do, raise the head of your bed about 10 centimeters.
- Do not dress in tight clothing, especially that does not oppress your abdomen.
- If you nap after eating, try doing it in an easy chair. Lying down with a full stomach encourages reflux.
- Practice sports at least 45 minutes a day, it will help you avoid being overweight and stress, two causes of reflux.
- Do not smoke.
Anti-reflux medications
In addition to following the recommendations that have been mentioned, when you feel the discomfort you can also opt for a treatment to combat reflux that helps you quickly end your discomfort and your burning sensation.
In pharmacies there are different treatments to alleviate the symptoms of reflux burning, one of them is Gaviscon Forte, which acts with a double action forming a protective raft in the upper part of the stomach, so that the acids do not rise towards the esophagus, ending the burning sensation and decreases the excess acid in the stomach. Gaviscon Forte belongs to the group of medicines known as other agents against gastroesophageal reflux. It is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of hyperacidity of the stomach and burning caused by acid reflux from the stomach in adults and over 12 years.
Gaviscon Forte is available as chewable tablets or as an oral suspension in sachets.
And, because reflux is so common during pregnancy, it is good to note that Gaviscon can be used during pregnancy and lactation if taken as recommended in the package insert and not taken for a long time. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy or lactation.
If despite this pharmaceutical treatment your discomfort continues for more than a week, consult your doctor to rule out more serious illnesses.
Read the package leaflet of these medications carefully and consult your pharmacist. Gaviscon is a drug from Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare, SA
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.