Gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux

    * Introduction
    * Symptoms and Diagnosis
    * Treatment
GERD is characterized by refluarea stomach contents into the esophagus. The consequence it is reflux esophagitis, esophageal mucosal damage produced by.

In order to defend an episode of gastroesophageal reflux two conditions must be met: the gastrointestinal contents to be "prepared" for the network (through various mechanisms), and compromised antireflux mechanism of the bottom of the lower esophagus.

 
Clinic patients may experience: retrosternal burning sensation, usually acid regurgitation, pain on swallowing (swallowing) in severe esophagitis, and there are rarely present and respiratory or cardiac symptoms that pose problems of differential diagnosis (eg asthma, shortness of breath that , nocturnal cough as heart failure, angina chest pain that). An accurate and detailed history, however, help to differentiate.

 
In support of the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease and reflux esophagitis using paraclinical: barytic radiological examination, registration intraesofagian pH, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal mucosal biopsy, esophageal motility study, other special tests.

 
Complications can arise if these conditions are: esophageal stenosis ("contraction" gastro-esophageal sphincter to prevent passage of food from the esophagus into the stomach, with poorly marked consecutive); upper digestive bleeding (leading to anemia), perforation (rare); Barrett's esophagus (precancerous condition), esophageal cancer. Major complications can occur in patients without symptoms!

 
Treatment aims to weaken reflux gastroesophageal reflux to obtain a safe, increase the removal of the esophagus and protect the esophageal mucosa. To achieve these objectives apply to general measures and specific medical treatment. Surgery is used in complicated cases.
Causes The exact cause of GERD is necunoscuta.Cercetatorii showed that SEI rest of the esophagus relaxes when activitate.Modificarile anatomical shows such as hiatal hernia may also contribute. Other contributing factors are: -Obesity -Pregnancy -Smoking, fatty foods , Chocolate, citrus, coffee, sodas -Garlic, onion, mint, spices, tomatoes.