Don’t take “heartburn” lightly Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder in which acidic liquid from the stomach refluxes into the esophagus, causing lesions of the esophageal mucosa, and its common symptoms are acid reflux and heartburn (a burning sensation in the area behind the sternum). If GERD is not treated in time, it will not only affect people’s quality of life in all aspects, such as eating, sleeping, entertainment and leisure, but also have serious health consequences. The outpatient prevalence of GERD in Xinjiang can be up to 41%, and the comprehensive prevalence can be up to about 20%, so it can be said that GERD seriously affects the quality of life of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. The incidence of GERD is increasing among office workers due to the sudden increase in work pressure and irregular meals. However, public awareness of the disease is very low, and patients often delay the best time for treatment because they are not aware of it. According to a national online survey, more than 70% of respondents reported that their quality of life is affected by GERD symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn. In stark contrast, nearly 60% of respondents had never heard of GERD, and even fewer took the initiative to seek medical attention among those who clearly had symptoms of the disease. Light symptoms often hide heavy disease According to expert analysis, as many office workers generally have felt stomach upset, usually find some stomach medicine to deal with, or through dietary adjustments (such as milk, etc.) to cope with the past, few people are willing to take the time to go for a detailed examination, and according to the doctor’s instructions to adhere to the medication. However, Dr. Zhang Cheng of the Xinjiang Institute of Minimally Invasive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease reminds us that because the severity of clinical symptoms of GERD is not consistent with the performance of the actual examination, patients with mild symptoms may also have severe esophagitis, and if the diagnosis is not confirmed in time for treatment, the disease is likely to cause many complications, such as reflux esophagitis, hemorrhage, stenosis, Barrett’s esophagus and adenocarcinoma, asthma and laryngitis, etc. Therefore, once you notice GERD, it’s not easy to find the symptoms. Therefore, it is important to go to a specialized hospital for diagnosis and treatment as soon as you notice similar symptoms of GERD. Regular diet to protect the “stomach” GERD has a long and recurring course, as long as timely treatment, regular treatment, can alleviate the symptoms and cure, but must pay attention to dietary regimen, correct bad habits. Good living habits, regular and quantitative eating, and a light diet are essential to keep away from GERD. In daily life, reduce the amount of food, satiety easily leads to relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Eating should be chewed slowly, a small number of meals, dinner, especially should not be full, 4 hours before bedtime should not eat; less acidic beverages, tobacco and alcohol; reduce fat intake; cooking to boiled, stewed, braised mainly, do not use oil frying; increase protein intake, stimulate secretion of gastrin, so that the esophageal sphincter pressure increases; diet should be less stimulating, eat less chocolate, cooking less spices, such as chili, curry, pepper, garlic, mint, etc.