Gastroesophageal reflux disease diagnosis and treatment

  Acid reflux is often seen after meals, when the trunk is flexed forward, or at night when sleeping in bed, when acidic liquid or food is refluxed from the stomach or esophagus to the pharynx or mouth. This symptom occurs before the onset of burning sensation or heartburn under the sternum.  2. Heartburn or pain is the main symptom of the disease. The symptoms occur about one hour after eating and may radiate to the scapular region, neck, ear or upper arm; or may be induced when the body is bent forward, lying on the back or side, or during strenuous exercise; the symptoms may disappear in an upright position or after taking acidulants. Overheated and acidic food can aggravate the symptoms.  3, dysphagia Initially, it can often be caused by esophagitis secondary to esophageal spasm and intermittent dysphagia; later, it can be replaced by permanent dysphagia due to narrowing of esophageal scar formation and gradual reduction of heartburn or pain. When eating solid food, it may cause blocking sensation or pain at the glabella.  Complications In addition to complications such as esophageal stricture and bleeding, there are many extra-esophageal symptoms, including non-cardiogenic chest pain, asthma, chronic cough, hoarseness, chronic vocal fold inflammation, pharyngitis, gastric reflux; aspiration of the refluxed material into the respiratory tract may also cause aspiration pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, and even dental caries.  Third, reduce intra-abdominal pressure The effect of reduced intra-abdominal pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) and 24-hour pH monitoring. The results showed that LESP did not change significantly when intra-abdominal pressure was significantly reduced. Gastroesophageal reflux occurred in patients with ascites, while a reduction of intra-abdominal pressure by more than 70% resulted in a significant reduction of gastroesophageal reflux.  IV. Changes in lifestyle habits Changes in lifestyle habits are beneficial for many GERD patients, but relying on these alone may not control the symptoms in most patients. Studies have shown that elevating the head of the bed, reducing fat intake, quitting smoking, and avoiding bed rest for 3 hours after meals can reduce distal esophageal acid exposure. Some foods such as chocolate, alcohol, mint, coffee, and garlic have been hypothesized to be beneficial to patients.