Gastroesophageal Reflux: The Real Reason Behind Your Discomfort

Have you ever felt discomfort in your chest after enjoying your favorite meal? If so, you may be experiencing gastroesophageal reflux (GER), a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can have a significant impact on your daily well-being. In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about GER: its causes, symptoms and how to manage it to regain control of your health. Approximately 20% of the population has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It presents with uncomfortable symptoms such as regurgitation and heartburn, which can seriously damage the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Dr. Jesús Macías spoke with Dr. Noé Ayala, an expert in gastroenterology, to delve into this crucial topic for digestive health.

In this article, we will talk about the causes of GERD, how to identify its symptoms and how to manage the disease so you can live a healthier and more comfortable life. Read on to learn more about how to improve your digestive health!

What is the meaning of gastroesophageal reflux?

Imagine that the contents of your stomach decide to head down your esophagus after a delicious dinner. Gastroesophageal reflux is exactly that. The lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach) does not close properly, allowing gastric acids to rise up and cause pain.

Causes that may surprise you

Excessive consumption of spicy foods is not the only cause of GER. This condition can be caused by a variety of reasons:

Obesity: Being overweight increases pressure in the stomach, which can push food into the esophagus.

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure from the uterus cause pregnant women to experience GER frequently.

Food and Drink: Yes, that glass of wine and your beloved chocolate can be culprits. It is known that fatty foods, caffeine and alcohol can worsen symptoms.

Lifestyle: Smoking and doing nothing can make things worse – it’s time to change those habits!

Symptoms you should know

It is important to identify the signs of GER, as it can manifest itself in a variety of ways:

Heartburn is that burning sensation in your chest that can ruin your night.

Regurgitation: Sometimes, what comes up is more than just a bad experience.

Difficulty swallowing: Food can seem to get stuck in the way.

Chronic symptoms can be similar to allergies or a cold.

Diagnosis: How can I determine if I have GER?

Do not hesitate to consult a physician if you think you are experiencing GER. They can perform exercises such as:

Endoscopy: a method of examining the esophagus and stomach to find damage.
pH-Metry: helps confirm the diagnosis by measuring the acidity of the esophagus.

Treatment options: the road to peace of mind

Treatment of GER is uncomplicated. Here are some helpful strategies:

Lifestyle adjustments:

Lose weight: it’s not just about looking good, it’s also about feeling good. A healthy weight can have a significant impact.

Avoid triggers: find out which foods are problematic and adjust your intake.

Don’t go to bed immediately after eating. It gives your body time to process.

Medications:

Antacids: a quick fix for those tough times.

Proton pump inhibitors: reduce acid production and can be helpful for people suffering from persistent GERD.

Surgery:

Surgical options may be considered to strengthen the LES and prevent reflux in severe cases.