Acıbadem Kayseri Hospital Internal Diseases Specialist Dr. Hasan Yeşilkaya said that eating a lot at dinner and going to bed before finishing stomach digestion triggers reflux.
Acıbadem Kayseri Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Hasan Yeşilkaya, who stated that approximately one in every four people in Turkey has reflux; “What we call reflux disease is roughly the escape of stomach contents into the esophagus. It is a common disease in our society. Reflux is encountered in approximately one out of every four people.”
Symptoms such as heartburn, burning, scraping in the stomach
Giving detailed information about how reflux occurs and its symptoms, Dr. Yeşilkaya said the following: “Our esophagus is a section from the pharynx to the stomach. There is a functional valve system that works unilaterally between the esophagus and the stomach. It is compressed in its normal state. It opens when we swallow our food and closes again after the food goes down into the stomach. The task of this valve is to pass the food into the stomach and not to miss the food coming from the stomach upwards. However, this valve system may not work so perfectly in everyone. From time to time, it may not close completely and leak the stomach contents upwards. We call this reflux. Stomach contents are an acidic environment. This acid does not damage the stomach wall. Because there are systems to protect the stomach wall. However, the inner surface of the esophagus is not resistant to acidic environment. When the acid escapes upwards, it causes burning and irritation on the inner surface of the esophagus. In this case; symptoms such as heartburn, burning, bitter water coming into the mouth, scraping and scraping, and in more advanced cases, food residues coming up to our mouth, and even persistent dry cough can be seen. It is not very objectionable to have it occasionally, but if it has become chronic and occurs continuously, it is absolutely necessary to consult a physician for diagnosis and treatment.”
Endoscopy may be required
Stating that they can also treat patients according to their complaints without endoscopy, Yeşilkaya explained when gastric endoscopy is needed as follows:
“Occasional heartburn and burning, and relief with some stomach medications can lead us to diagnose reflux.
There are medications that reduce stomach acid. When patients use these and pay attention to their eating and drinking, if the symptoms regress, we can say 'this is a reflux patient' and give treatment without the need for further examination. However, if the symptoms are very severe, if there is no regression in the symptoms despite our recommendations, if we cannot get a response to the medications we give and if the complaints increase, endoscopy is an absolutely necessary examination. In this way, we can get answers to questions such as whether there is reflux or not, or whether there is another problem. If necessary, we can switch to a different treatment after endoscopy.”
Stating that surgical treatment methods may also be needed in a rare group of patients whose complaints do not improve despite all treatment methods, Dr. Yeşilkaya stated that these surgeries are usually performed laparoscopically.
Attention should be paid to foods that increase reflux
Stating that attention should be paid to foods that increase reflux, Dr. Yeşilkaya said, “It is necessary to stay away from foods such as excessively spicy and spicy foods, pickles, raw onions and garlic, and acidic drinks. We recommend eating little and often. You should eat slowly and chew well. Especially dinner is a meal with a social function in our society. For this reason, dinner is a bit strong and we eat too much. When we go to bed with that full stomach, it is easier for the stomach contents to escape upwards. This triggers reflux,” he said.
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