Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder with the main symptoms including acid reflux, heartburn and gastritis. However, many people lack sufficient knowledge about the disease and often confuse it with ordinary gastritis, leading to delays**. In this article, we will dive into the relevant knowledge of GERD to help you better understand and cope with this disease.
1. Definition and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a symptom or complication caused by the reflux of stomach acid or gastric matter into the esophagus. This reflux phenomenon is common in daily life, such as occasional discomfort such as acid reflux and heartburn, but in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, these symptoms are frequent and severe.
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease mainly include:
1.Acid reflux: Stomach acid reflux into the esophagus, irritating the esophageal mucosa, causing heartburn, pain and other discomforts.
2.Heartburn: The esophageal mucosa is irritated by stomach acid, producing a burning sensation that usually worsens after a meal or when lying down.
3.Chest pain: Acid reflux can irritate the nerves in the chest cavity, causing chest pain that can sometimes be mistaken for heart disease.
4.Cough: Gastric acid reflux into the respiratory tract irritates the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.
5.Throat irritation: Stomach acid refluxes into the throat, causing discomfort such as sore throat and foreign body sensation.
2. Causes and harms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
1.Causes: There are many causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease, including abnormal anatomical structure, abnormal function of the lower esophageal sphincter, obesity, dietary habits, etc. Among them, abnormal anatomical structures such as hiatal hernia, esophageal shortening, etc., can easily lead to acid reflux; Abnormal function of the lower esophageal sphincter weakens the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach, leading to acid reflux; Obesity increases abdominal pressure and promotes acid reflux; Dietary habits such as overeating, spicy and irritating foods may also worsen GERD symptoms.
2.Harm: Long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease can lead to complications such as esophagitis, esophageal ulcers, esophageal strictures, and even increase the risk of esophageal cancer. In addition, GERD may also affect the quality of life of patients, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, etc.
3. Diagnosis and ** of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
1.Diagnosis: diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease is based on symptoms, signs, and testing. The doctor will make a preliminary judgment based on the patient's symptoms, medical history and other information, and then confirm the diagnosis through endoscopy, esophageal manometry and other methods.
2.*Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) mainly includes medications, lifestyle modifications, and surgery. Drugs** mainly use proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists, etc., to reduce gastric acid secretion and relieve symptoms; Lifestyle modifications include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, etc.; Surgery is indicated for patients who do not respond to medications or who have serious complications.
4. Prevention and health care.
1.Prevention: The key to preventing GERD is to develop good lifestyle habits, such as eating regularly, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, and maintaining a good attitude.
2.Health care: In daily life, pay attention to avoid eating spicy and irritating foods, greasy foods, etc., so as not to aggravate symptoms. At the same time, maintaining proper exercise and improving physical fitness can help prevent the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
In conclusion, gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common digestive disease, and it is important to understand its symptoms, diagnosis, and knowledge of its disease to prevent and deal with it. I hope that through this article, you can have a deeper understanding of gastroesophageal reflux disease, so as to better protect your health.
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