Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease refers to chronic relapsing diseases. It manifests itself in a variety of symptoms, is caused by a sudden, repeated regularly throwing of gastric contents into the esophagus. This, in turn, leads to a lesion in the lower part of the esophagus.

Such a progression through the esophageal lower sphincter is considered a normal phenomenon of a physiological nature in the event that it happens rarely, and it is not accompanied by unpleasant sensations. However, if this phenomenon is observed frequently, accompanied by damage or inflammation of the mucosa and symptoms outside the esophagus, then this is gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The development of the disease is influenced by the characteristics of the patient's life. These include work associated with frequent inclined position, stress, obesity, eating habits, smoking, pregnancy and so on.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease develops due to a decrease in the tone of the esophageal lower sphincter, a violation of the function of self-cleaning the esophagus and emptying the stomach, increasing intra-abdominal pressure. In addition, the refluxant (thrown contents) can have damaging properties, and the esophagus mucosa may not be able to withstand its action.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: symptoms and diagnosis

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is manifested by acidic belching, heartburn. The next common symptom is chest pain, which is given to the left half of the chest cavity, between the shoulder blades, etc.

External manifestations of the disease include lung problems (dyspnea or cough), ENT organs (dryness in the throat, hoarseness of the voice) and stomach (bloating, rapid saturation of vomiting, nausea).

The disease has two forms. The first include endoscopic-negative (non-erosive) reflux disease. It is noted in seventy percent of all cases.

Thirty percentages are reflux esophagitis.

To identify inflammatory lesions, erosions, ulcers, esophageal strictures, endoscopic and X-ray examination is used. Diagnostic measures include daily monitoring of the pH of the lower third of the esophagus. This allows to determine the duration and amount of refluxant casts, as well as to select an individual type of therapy and to ensure control over the effectiveness of the action of medications. The change in the tone of the sphincter of the esophagus allows one to reveal a manometric study.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: treatment

The basis of therapy is the change in individual factors in the patient's lifestyle. Work is being done to normalize body weight, exclude smoking, reduce consumption of coffee, alcohol, fatty foods. In addition, the load causing an increase in intra-abdominal pressure is reduced. It is important that during sleep the body should take the correct position - with a head raised 15-20 cm high.

The effect of medicines is mainly directed to the elimination of esophagitis and the reduction of episodes of casting and the amount of refluxant, reducing its damaging properties. In this case, as a rule, three medicinal groups are prescribed: antisecretory drugs, antacids and prokinetics.

Treatment of folk remedies of gastroesophageal reflux disease includes phytotherapy.

Very effective phytotea, which consists of two parts of plantain leaves, two parts of flax seeds, five parts of althea leaves, one part of the watch grass, one part of dandelion leaves, three tenths of mint, three parts of ivan tea and three parts of cetrarium. A tablespoon of the collection is poured into half a liter of water and boiled over a small fire. At the same time, the lid should be closed. Boiling is fifteen minutes. After this, the broth is infused for half an hour. It is recommended to take small sips in half a cup four to five times a day. Infusion is consumed warm, before meals (for twenty minutes), for a month or two.

Another effective remedy is the juice from freshly dipped celery roots. It is recommended to take three times a day for 1 or 2 tablespoons. L. before meals. The roots can be dried and chopped. To prepare the broth, the roots (2 tsp) are poured with boiling water (a glass). The broth is infused for 20 minutes. It is recommended to take three times a day before meals in half a cup.