Reflux: symptoms, causes and treatment optionsExperts estimate that approx 20 percent of the German population repeatedly suffers from reflux symptoms. Reflux translates as "flowing back" and refers to a health condition in which the contents of the stomach partially back up into the esophagus – that is, in the wrong direction. This can happen for various reasons. There are often problems with the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus. Which causes are still possible and to what extent concomitant symptoms are typical with the reflux disease, you will learn here.
– An overview of common reflux symptoms – heartburn and chest pain – coughing, dysphagia and co. – Reflux – other complaints – What causes reflux disease?? – How is acid reflux treated?
What are the symptoms of reflux?
When most think of reflux, the two most common signs of the condition probably come to mind: The sour belching and the strong burning sensation in the upper chest area. But these are by no means all the ailments associated with reflux. Therefore, we present other symptoms that may be associated with reflux disease (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Reflux symptoms – an overview
– acid regurgitation – heartburn – a feeling of prere in the chest – coughing and, in rare cases, associated shortness of breath – hoarseness
– pain in the throat – difficulty in swallowing – abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting – strong bad breath – damage to the teeth
Heartburn and painful prere in the chest area
as soon as the stomach acid flows in the wrong direction – i.e. back into the esophagus, it causes pain to those affected. The first cause of pain is the unpleasant heartburn, which occurs because the esophagus, unlike the stomach, is not designed to carry acid and accordingly has no protection. This symptom usually coincides with a pressing pain in the chest. Both reflux symptoms have, similarly to the sour burping in common that they become stronger, if one eats too much or lies down. How long reflux of gastric juice and discomfort it triggers last varies – depending on the trigger.
If the stomach acid is formed excessively, Talcid ® Liquid can relieve resulting discomfort.
Why do coughing, hoarseness and difficulty swallowing occur with reflux disease?
When the contents of the stomach enter the trachea, sometimes there are violent coughing attacks. In the long term, this can damage the airways. Asthma, chronic cough, or shortness of breath are just a few examples of what may await sufferers if not counteracted in time with reflux treatment. Otherwise, the symptoms can get out of hand. The quality of life of the patients strongly limit.
Hoarseness and dysphagia are particularly common symptoms of reflux when a person suffers from reflux symptoms inflammation of the esophagus for the emergence of the problems is causal. In this case, the gastric juice has attacked the mucous membrane of the esophagus to such an extent that one has the constant feeling of a dry throat.
Good to know
If gastroesophageal reflux disease is not adequately treated, the esophagus becomes more and more affected and inflammation (reflux esophagitis) can occur. A possible consequence of this is the Barrett's esophagus. This is a cell change in the esophagus that is considered a precursor of esophageal cancer. If Barrett's esophagus is not treated, it can lead to cancer in the worst case later on.
Other accompanying symptoms of acid reflux
During acid regurgitation, the stomach contents – which consist mainly of already decomposed food residues – move back into the esophagus and sometimes even up to the pharynx and into the mouth. This is not only unpleasant, but can also cause the acid contained in it to become sour and foul mouth odor leads. In the mouth and throat, the acid further contributes to tooth damage as it attacks the enamel, which can expose the necks of the teeth, causing them to destabilize and, in the worst case, fall out.
Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting are further possible reflux complaints. However, these signs are so general that they can also be caused by another disease (for example, an irritable stomach). It is therefore all the more important for affected persons to, Complaints not to be ignored and to consult a doctor. For example, when pain occurs or the various symptoms of reflux persist for several days or even weeks. Nothing is more important for successful treatment than a confirmed and timely diagnosis, which the expert can make with the help of a wide variety of tests. The first point of contact is usually the family doctor. The latter refers the patient to a gastroenterologist (specialist in digestive diseases) if necessary.