text: Reflux disease , also known as reflux oesophagitis in technical terms, is an inflammatory reaction in the oesophageal mucosa caused by the abnormal reflux of acidic gastric fluid. Belching and heartburn are typical symptoms of this common gastrointestinal complaint.
  What is reflux disease?
  Not only pregnant women, but also many other people occasionally suffer from heartburn . However, sometimes the acidic burping is not just the result of a particular meal or a baby bump, but a symptom of reflux esophagitis, better known as acid reflux disease. The backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus causes an unpleasant burning sensation in the throat.
  If it only happens occasionally, that doesn’t mean anything. But every tenth German regularly suffers from the associated symptoms, which worsen after eating certain foods, carrying heavy loads and lying flat in bed. Then the specialist speaks of reflux disease.
  There are several causes of reflux disease. There is often a hiatal insufficiency, a kind of expansion of the diaphragm, at the level of the esophagus.A diaphragmatic hernia can also occur, especially in older people. This promotes the rise of acidic chyme and bile. The sphincter muscle, which is actually supposed to prevent reflux, can no longer fulfill its task.
  This process is triggered particularly often when other factors are involved, such as chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Some people refuse an offer of chocolate or a piece of cake, saying that just looking at it gives them heartburn. In fact, the consumption of sweets very quickly leads to the well-known complaints.
  symptoms and course
  The typical reflux symptoms are not only expressed with heartburn, even if this is the most common symptom, but often also with an unpleasant cough after getting up or having breakfast. The symptoms also cause a painful burning sensation in the upper chest behind the breastbone.
  Bad breath does not always come from the teeth or damaged tonsils, but is often a result of acid regurgitation. Sometimes those affected also complain of a sore throat , difficulty swallowing and hoarseness . Teeth are also often affected because heartburn can go unnoticed at night by lying flat on the pillow instead of in a raised sleeping position.
  When to the doctor?
  If the symptoms of reflux disease last longer than a week or occur more than once a week, a doctor should be contacted.
  Unclear dry cough and hoarseness can be other symptoms that occur with reflux disease. These are often not associated with stomach upset and belching. Nevertheless, medical treatment should be considered in this case, as the stomach acid can lead to inflammation in the throat area. For this reason, unclear infections in the throat area should be examined by a general practitioner.
  The feeling of burning in the esophagus, throat and nose area should also prompt you to seek medical help.
  If gastric belching occurs, an attempt can be made to adjust the diet in the first week. Bland diets, low-fat meals, and possibly a glass of milk can help alleviate the symptoms. If the symptoms persist after a week, you should not hesitate to make an appointment with a medical doctor.
  A change in lifestyle by reducing stress , conflicts and stressful situations can also have a positive effect on the symptoms of reflux disease. If this change has no effect on the symptoms after seven days, a doctor can help to find out the causes.
  Belching of gastric juice and burning in the throat area, which are experienced as stress in everyday life, should always be clarified by a visit to a doctor.
  If the symptoms of reflux disease (reflux symptoms) occur several times a month, you should go to the doctor. Because with the help of a reflection of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, this can clearly identify the causes of the excess gastric acidfind out. During the gastroscopy, the doctor will also see if certain medications, such as painkillers, are the trigger. A tissue sample is usually taken to rule out an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori. No fear! The exam isn’t half as uncomfortable as it sounds. Many practices now even offer general anesthesia. The patient sleeps through the small operation completely relaxed. However, reflux disease can only be treated effectively with the right diagnosis.
  treatment and therapy
  The goal of therapy is to find a way to curb the unpleasant symptoms of reflux disease. And fortunately there are various measures available today, depending on the severity of the clinical picture. Sometimes a change in diet and lifestyle is enough.
  Earlier generations liked to use baking soda as a home remedy to neutralize excess stomach acid. Today, so-called proton pump inhibitors have proven to be both effective and tolerable. They also serve to protect the stomach when taking certain medications, such as painkillers and antirheumatic drugs, cannot be avoided.The reduction of excess weight and a higher position of the upper body can support the treatment. If an infection with bacteria or fungi has also been found during the gastroscopy , then these must of course also be combated at the same time with antibiotics and antimycotics .
  However, if the drug therapy does not bring any improvement in the long term, then you should decide to have an operation. The esophagus is narrowed slightly so that the sphincter can perform its function again. This is usually done by wrapping some stomach tissue around the loosened area like a cuff.
  In many clinics, this minimally invasive procedure has long been part of the routine operations. This is a gentle method, especially for older patients, which effectively prevents the pathological reflux of gastric juice. The next day you start eating light food.
  While reflux disease is not hereditary, some people are just more susceptible to it than others. Nevertheless, everyone can do something to prevent themselves by avoiding everything that upsets the stomach as much as possible. This includes excessive consumption of coffee and sugar as well as smoking and, of course, negative stress . With a healthy diet and relaxation, everyone can help to ensure that their stomach does not react acidified to the permanent overload at some point.
  Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
  My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.