Gastroesophageal reflux: Uncovering the secret of this annoying "acid water mystery"

In the fast-paced modern life, gastroesophageal reflux has become a common problem for many people. Do you often feel chest pain, heartburn, or even throat discomfort, but don't know the reason? This is probably caused by gastroesophageal reflux. Today, let's take a deeper look at this seemingly common but very complex disease and explore the mystery behind it.

1. Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux refers to a series of uncomfortable symptoms caused by the backflow of gastric contents into the esophagus. Under normal circumstances, there is a tight cardia sphincter at the junction of our esophagus and stomach, which acts like a "valve" to prevent gastric acid from entering the esophagus. However, when the function of this "valve" is damaged, gastric acid will "take advantage of the opportunity" and cause inflammation and damage to the esophageal mucosa.

2. Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux

Improper diet: high-fat, high-sugar, spicy foods, etc. can stimulate gastric acid secretion and aggravate reflux symptoms.

Lifestyle habits: Bad habits such as smoking, drinking, and lack of exercise will affect gastrointestinal motility and thus affect the function of the cardiac sphincter.

Drug factors: Certain drugs such as calcium channel blockers, diazepam, etc. may cause relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and thus induce reflux.

Disease factors: such as gastric ulcer, gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, etc., may affect gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal function, and induce reflux.

Physiological factors: As we age, the esophageal sphincter relaxes, making gastroesophageal reflux more likely to occur.

3. The harm of gastroesophageal reflux

Digestive system symptoms: Heartburn, acid reflux, chest pain, etc. are typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Long-term and repeated stimulation of gastric acid may lead to inflammation, ulcers and even cancer of the esophageal mucosa.

Respiratory symptoms: Stomach acid entering the esophagus may irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing, asthma and other symptoms. In severe cases, it may even lead to aspiration pneumonia.

Psychological stress: Long-term physical discomfort may lead to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, affecting the quality of life.

Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux

Adjust your lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet, avoid high-fat, high-sugar, and spicy foods, eat small meals frequently, and avoid overeating. Increase exercise appropriately to promote gastrointestinal motility. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to reduce psychological stress.

Drug treatment: Commonly used drugs include acid suppressants, prokinetic drugs, etc., which can relieve symptoms, but must be used under the guidance of a doctor.

Surgery: For patients with severe or long-term gastroesophageal reflux, surgery may be required. Surgical methods include laparoscopic fundoplication, which can effectively improve symptoms.

Other treatments: such as traditional Chinese medicine treatment, endoscopic treatment, etc., appropriate treatment methods can be selected according to the patient's specific situation.

5. Prevent gastroesophageal reflux

Regular physical examinations: Especially for middle-aged and elderly people, regular gastroscopy and other examinations can help detect gastroesophageal reflux and related diseases at an early stage.

Pay attention to body signals: If you experience symptoms such as heartburn or acid reflux, seek medical attention immediately and do not diagnose or treat yourself.

Strengthen self-management: maintain a healthy lifestyle, adjust eating habits, and enhance body immunity.

Pay attention to high-risk groups: People who are obese, smoke and drink for a long time, and those with a family history should pay special attention to the risk of gastroesophageal reflux and strengthen preventive measures.

In short, gastroesophageal reflux is not an invincible "stubborn disease". Through scientific understanding and reasonable treatment, we can effectively relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. At the same time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude is also an important way to prevent gastroesophageal reflux. Let us start from now on, take care of our health, and jointly resist this annoying "mystery of acid water".