Lifestyle habits and diet can trigger acid reflux
Prof. Dr. Erhun Eyüboğlu reported that habits such as excess weight, fatty meals, and eating late at night can increase acid reflux symptoms.
Prof. Dr. Erhun Eyüboğlu from Medicana Ataköy Hospital Department of General Surgery stated that excess weight, large portions, fatty meals, eating late at night, smoking, and certain medications can increase reflux complaints.
Main Causes of Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs as a result of stomach contents flowing back into the esophagus. Reflux that continues for a long time and is not controlled can lead to irritation and various changes in the esophagus.
Symptoms and Impact on Daily Life
A burning sensation in the chest after meals or a bitter taste in the mouth are among frequently encountered complaints. If these complaints become frequent and affect daily life, gastroesophageal reflux disease may be considered.
Reflux can also manifest in some individuals with different symptoms such as hoarseness, a constant need to clear the throat, a chronic cough, or the sensation of a foreign body in the throat.
Risks of Long-Term Reflux
Reflux that continues for many years and is not kept under control can cause chronic irritation and inflammation in the lower part of the esophagus.
In some patients, cellular changes called Barrett's esophagus may develop over time. This condition does not mean cancer, but it is associated with an increased risk for a type of esophageal cancer.
Diagnostic Methods and Evaluation
The patient's history and examination findings are of great importance in diagnosing reflux. In individuals deemed necessary, the esophagus and stomach are evaluated using endoscopy.
In some patients, advanced examinations such as 24-hour pH monitoring and esophageal manometry can also be utilized.
Lifestyle Adjustments and Treatment
The first step in reflux is generally lifestyle adjustments and medication treatment in individuals deemed necessary. It is recommended to reduce meal sizes and stop eating before going to bed.
Achieving weight control and limiting foods that specifically increase complaints for the individual may also come to the agenda during the treatment process.
Surgical Treatment Options
If complaints persist despite medical treatment or if there is a large hiatal hernia, surgical evaluation can be performed.
Laparoscopic reflux surgery and hiatal hernia repair can be applied in selected patients, and the treatment success rate remains high with robotic or laparoscopic surgery.