Reflux: What is it and what helps against it?
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In so-called reflux, stomach acid runs back into the esophagus, which can cause unpleasant symptoms. We explain the causes and what helps.
What is reflux?
In the case of reflux (“gastroesophageal reflux disease”), the acidic contents of the stomach run excessively back into the esophagus, which can lead to heartburn, among other things. Currently, about every fifth German suffers from reflux. The cause is usually a disorder of the so-called esophageal sphincter, which no longer seals the esophagus from the stomach properly. With the help of medication and an adapted diet, the symptoms of reflux can often be brought under control.
Reflux: When the stomach acid suddenly harms us
Actually, our stomach acid has a very practical function: with its low pH of between 1 and 4, it helps in the breakdown and digestion of food. Thanks to a special protective layer, it cannot damage the stomach either. However, if it gets back into the esophagus, it attacks the mucous membrane there and causes symptoms. Reflux occurs easily, especially when bending over or lying down, if the sphincter muscle of the esophagus is no longer working properly. If the problem is left untreated, inflammation with changes in the mucous membrane can develop, which is very painful.
Causes and variants of reflux disease
There are different variants of reflux:
- Reflux without mucosal changes (non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease = NERD)
- Reflux with mucosal changes (erosive reflux disease = ERD)
In addition, a distinction is made between primary and a secondary reflux:
- Primary reflux: The most common form of the disease. The cause of this is still largely unclear, but in this variant the sphincter can no longer fulfill its function or only to a limited extent. It is known that diet plays a major role in the development of the symptoms. However, diaphragmatic weakness or a diaphragmatic hernia also increase the risk of primary reflux.
- Secondary reflux: The less common form of reflux occurs mainly due to physical changes (e.g. pregnancy) or as a result of other diseases of the digestive system, e.g. B. a narrowing of the stomach outlet or by a stomach tumor.
What symptoms can reflux cause?
Since the esophagus can be damaged over time by reflux, it is important to recognize typical symptoms of the disease and to go to the doctor promptly. These include:
- heartburn
- Eructation of air or stomach acid, both into the esophagus and into the mouth
- Pressure or tenderness behind the breastbone
- bad breath (when belching)
- difficulties swallowing
- to cough
- damage to the airways
- Damage to tooth enamel
Symptoms in babies and young children
Babies and toddlers can also suffer from reflux. You can tell they have trouble drinking or eating. Babies are very restless cry a lot and stretch their heads, small children throw up more often after eating.
Treatment: What helps against reflux?
In addition to drugs that inhibit acid production, Adjustments to one’s own lifestyle also help to get reflux under control. The following measures are useful:
- Casual clothing: It doesn’t matter whether it’s pants or skirts – clothing should be loose on the stomach. If it is too tight, it increases the pressure in the abdomen, which makes it easier for the stomach contents to get into the esophagus.
- Move: At least two to three times a week we should move for at least 30 minutes.
- If overweight: Losing weight can relieve the symptoms.
- sleeping position: Patients sleep best with their upper body slightly elevated and on their left side so gravity can prevent reflux.
- Nourishment: Reflux is often accompanied by general indigestion. A protein-rich diet makes sense – proteins stimulate the production of the peptide hormone gastrin, which increases the muscle tension of the sphincter muscle of the esophagus. In general, patients are better off eating several small portions throughout the day, which should be as low-carb and low-fat as possible. The last meal of the day is best eaten a few hours before bedtime. At best, stimulants such as alcohol and nicotine should be avoided completely.
- Camomile tea: Chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect and can reduce the production of gastric acid.
Reflux surgery
If the drug treatment of the reflux does not work, an operation can also be useful in some cases. A cuff is formed from the upper part of the stomach and secured around the lower end of the esophagus. This is intended to stabilize the esophageal sphincter and prevent acid reflux.
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