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This is a condition when the normal acid produced in the stomach refluxes up to the
feeding tube (known as esophagus) and causes a lot of symptoms.
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Symptoms include heartburn (burning sensation starting from the pit of the
stomach and going up to the chest or neck), difficulty swallowing, gas, bloating. These symptoms often get worse with
certain kinds of food, lying down, heavy meals.
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Some patients may also present with other symptoms include a sticking
sensation in the throat, asthma, hoarseness of the voice or bad breath.
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The disease can lead to a condition called
Barretts esophagus. This is a pre-cancerous condition which can lead to esophageal cancer. |
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Other complications that can occur include ulceration, bleeding, stricture (narrowing of the esophagus). |
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Patients often need a test called
upper endoscopy, or 24 hour pH and / or X ray investigation. |
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Treatment involves dietary changes and life style changes. Often times patients need medications. |
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Dietary changes include avoiding soda or pop, eating small more frequent meals, avoiding fried fatty
meals, avoiding tomatoes, caffeinated products, mints, chocolate |
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Life style changes include elevation of the head end of the bed, not eating meals 3 hours prior to sleeping. |
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Treatment includes using antacids, over the counter medicines such as Zantac, Pepcid, Axid or Tagamet,
prescription medicines including H 2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors. (See section of medicine). |
