Recognizing reflux esophageal disease

Reflux esophagitis (reflux esophagitis) is an inflammatory lesion resulting from multiple factors that cause prolonged and repeated contact between the lower esophagus and gastric contents. The cause of unusually frequent episodes of GERD is primarily due to temporary lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and/or low or absent resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Once reflux occurs and the reflux is not removed in a timely manner, it results in excessive acidification of the esophagus and subsequent mucosal damage. This damage is caused both by the action of gastric acid and pepsin and by the action of bile salts on the squamous epithelium of the esophagus. The clinical symptoms are often regurgitation, acid reflux, heartburn, retrosternal burning sensation and pain, chest tightness, and even sometimes angina-like attacks. It is common in 40-60 years old, and is especially common in Europe and America. (1) Pain behind the sternum and epigastrium, burning-like discomfort or heartburn, pain can be radiated to the neck, back, shoulders, ears or both upper arms. It often occurs shortly after meals, and is especially aggravated when lying down, bending over, strenuous exercise or ingesting juice, aspirin and alcohol. It may be relieved by upright position or by taking acid suppressants. (2) The stomach contents may reflux into the esophagus and mouth. The reflux is acidic or bitter in taste. Reflux during sleep often causes choking and awakening. (3) In severe reflux esophagitis, or in cases of complicated esophageal ulcers, pain in the throat may occur. Sometimes intermittent dysphagia is caused by esophageal spasm and often occurs at the beginning of the meal. (4) Chronic blood loss from esophageal ulcers can produce anemia. Self-care measures 1, drug care ① available morpholine or mosapride 1-2 tablets each time, 2-3 times a day. To increase the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, accelerate the emptying of the esophagus and stomach, and reduce reflux. (②Oral acid reducer, and aluminum thioglycollate or magnesium aluminum carbonate 1 gram each time 3 times a day to relieve symptoms. (iii) Oral histamine H2 receptor blocker Tegramet, 800 mg each time, once in the morning and once in the evening. Ranitidine 150 mg each time, once in the morning and once in the evening, and famotidine 40 mg each time, once in the morning and once in the evening. Proton pump inhibitor omeprazole, 20 mg each time, twice daily. It can effectively inhibit gastric acid secretion, significantly improve or control symptoms, and heal erosions and ulcers. ④Avoid drugs that lower the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter. Including progesterone, theophylline, prostaglandin E, anticholinergics, beta stimulants, alpha blockers, dopamine, valium, opioids and calcium channel blockers, etc. 2, nursing care ① upright after meals, avoid weight bearing and wearing tight clothes; ② change of position is an effective way to reduce reflux. Elevate the head of the bed 10-15 cm or use wedge-shaped sponge to pad the back of the shoulders during sleep. 3, dietary care ①It is advisable to enter low-fat, high-protein foods in small amounts. Such as beans, milk, lean meat and eggs. ② Avoid being too full, do not eat 3 hours before bedtime. Obese people should reduce their weight. ③ Do not eat coffee, mustard, garlic, chili and other stimulating foods. The prognosis of the disease is generally good, but it is often prone to recurrent attacks. The disease should pay attention to diet and nursing care. Drug treatment should be selected and reduced according to the severity of the disease. For example, histamine H2 receptor blocking drugs are commonly used in mild cases, while high doses are needed in severe cases. To prevent relapse after healing, it is advisable to take cisapride. Gastric fundoplication is an option for those who do not respond to medication for 3 months, and esophageal dilatation can be performed for those with esophageal strictures. Reflux esophagitis can cause Barrett’s esophagus with mucosal columnar epithelial metaplasia in the lower esophagus, reflux during sleep can be complicated by aspiration pneumonia, vomiting of blood in case of esophageal ulcer, and scar stenosis causing esophageal hiatal hernia.