Reflux Esophageal Disease - A dangerous but underrated disease

The article was professionally consulted by the Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Reflux disease is now quite common and tends to increase in Vietnam. Due to the complex nature of symptoms and disease development, many people misjudge the severity of the disease, thereby giving rise to subjective psychology. Therefore, learning about this disease to avoid leading to dangerous complications is essential.

Reflux esophagitis is a condition in which gastric juices (including food, digestive enzymes, gas...) back up into the esophagus, is a normal physiological phenomenon. In most cases, this phenomenon appears at different times of the day, especially after eating, and has no consequences. When reflux causes symptoms or damage to the lining of the esophagus, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Heartburn is the main symptom of GERD. The patient will feel an uncomfortable burning sensation spreading from the epigastrium to the back of the sternum, possibly spreading to the throat. This feeling gets worse if you lie down or bend over immediately after eating. Patients may also experience heartburn and regurgitation of food. That's when the gastric juice rises to the height of the esophagus with a sour taste in the mouth. Difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing: Feeling that food is stuck in the esophagus or have phlegm in the neck. Caused by stomach acid reflux much and strongly cause edema, swelling of the lining of the esophagus. Hoarseness, sore throat, night cough: This symptom is easy to misdiagnose with pharyngitis. Hoarseness in patients with reflux esophagitis usually occurs in the early morning, may resolve by noon, afternoon. Pain and tightness in the chest: People with GERD have a feeling of pressure and tightness in the back of the breastbone, spreading to the back, neck, jaw or arms, lasting a few minutes to hours. This symptom usually appears after eating, if you stress the pain is even worse. The pain can go away on its own or with medication that reduces secretions or neutralizes acid. Saliva secretes more than usual to neutralize the acid that flows up the esophagus.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs at any age, sometimes for no reason. Some risk factors for the disease:
Slit hernia: There is an opening in the diaphragm that allows the upper part of the stomach to move into the chest. This reduces pressure in the esophageal sphincter and increases the risk of esophageal reflux. Being overweight or obese increases pressure on the abdomen Pregnancy, due to increased pressure on the abdomen and hormonal changes. When taking certain medications, including some asthma medicines (Theophyllin), calcium channel blockers, antihistamines, tranquilizers, and antidepressants Due to the harmful effects of smoking, alcohol, eat fried, spicy foods, eat right before bed...

Reflux is not usually life-threatening, but can lead to complications:
Respiratory problems: A large amount of stomach acid spills into the airways can cause stuffy nose, hoarseness, sore throat. , sinusitis, asthma, laryngitis, bronchitis or pneumonia. Esophageal stricture: When gastric juice overflows into the esophagus, it will continuously cause edema and damage to the esophageal mucosa, leading to ulcers and narrowing of the esophagus. This condition causes pain, bleeding and difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, chest tightness. Especially pain behind the breastbone when eating causes vomiting... Barrett's esophagus: This is a precancerous condition in which the lining of the esophagus changes, closer to the lining of the intestines. Barrett's esophagus may reduce heartburn symptoms but also increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer: This is the final and extremely dangerous complication of GERD. Esophageal cancer usually occurs in people over the age of 50. Esophageal cancer causes a lot of pain, esophageal bleeding, weight loss, dark skin and wrinkles. In Vietnam, each year there are about 7,000 cases of esophageal cancer. Worryingly, patients are often diagnosed late, so the 3-year survival rate is less than 5%. Therefore, in order to stop the complications of GERD, when you detect abnormal symptoms of the body such as heartburn, heartburn, burning pain in the chest area often, you should go to the hospital right away for treatment. Doctors soon found out if it was acid reflux or not.

There are a number of non-drug methods that also contribute to the reduction of disease symptoms very effectively such as building a scientific and reasonable lifestyle:
Scientific diet with lots of fruits and vegetables - Split meals, do not eat too full, do not eat late at night
- Have a reasonable diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and low in dairy products
- Reduce the use of high-fat foods; spicy foods
- Do not lie down or work immediately after eating
Maintain a reasonable weight; lose weight if you are overweight or obese Use medicine as prescribed by your doctor Do not smoke, drink alcohol, use stimulants Put the headboard 15cm higher than the foot of the bed. If the above measures do not improve the condition of GERD, you need to see a specialist for advice on medication use. Usually, the doctor will prescribe some drugs to make the stomach empty, drugs to strengthen the esophageal sphincter, reduce stomach acid, stomach antacids.
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