Reflux alarm in Turkey: 1 in every 5 people is at risk

Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Çetin Karaca states that one in every five people in Turkey is facing reflux disease, noting that symptoms, which typically begin about half an hour after meals, can cause asthma-like coughing and choking fits at night.

Pointing out that there is a risk of the disease turning into cancer if left untreated, Karaca emphasizes that developments in medicine and technology in recent years have provided great progress in the diagnosis and treatment of reflux. Explaining new approaches in the treatment of GERD, the doctor lists the precautions that can be taken against reflux and offers important warnings and advice to patients.

Many factors can cause the disease known in medical terms as 'gastroesophageal reflux,' ranging from unhealthy eating to excessive stress, smoking, alcohol, and excess weight. Specialist Prof. Dr. Çetin Karaca says, "Reflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. Normally, there is a valve between the esophagus and the stomach that acts as a lid and prevents stomach contents from escaping into the esophagus.

REFLUX DETECTED IN ONE IN EVERY 5 PEOPLE

Many factors that cause this valve to relax temporarily (smoking, alcohol, spicy foods, fried foods, obesity, citrus fruits, etc.) cause reflux." Stating that studies have revealed that reflux, which was known in the past only as an adult disease, has become widespread in recent years and is now frequently seen in children, the doctor says that today, reflux is detected in one in every 5 people.

The typical finding of reflux consists of a burning sensation behind the rib cage and bitter-sour stomach contents coming from the stomach toward the mouth. Symptoms usually begin within about half an hour after eating; in people who go to bed with an overly full stomach, stomach contents can travel back up to the windpipe, pharynx, and mouth at night. Stating that these patients experience asthma-like coughing and choking fits at night, as well as throat burning and hoarseness, the gastroenterology specialist says, "Gastroesophageal reflux is the most common cause of chest pain not related to heart disease. According to large-scale community studies, 50 percent of people experience reflux symptoms at least once a year, 25 percent once a month, 15 percent once a week, and 5-10 percent at least once every day. Reflux treatment should not be delayed, both to improve daily quality of life and because there is a possibility of it becoming cancerous if neglected."

Endoscopic treatment for reflux disease

Rapid advances in technology and medicine in recent years have brought significant innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of reflux disease. Endoscopic treatment options can be offered to patients who do not get sufficient results with medication, do not want to use medication, or have severe reflux symptoms, especially at night. Prof. Dr. Çetin Karaca says the following about these methods: "Endoscopic reflux treatments do not require skin incisions or hospitalization. After the procedure performed in the endoscopy unit, the patient can return to their normal life on the same day. These treatments are applied with two main methods: Anti-reflux mucosal ablation/resection and endoscopic fundoplication. In the anti-reflux mucosal ablation and resection procedure, the mucosa at the junction of the esophagus and stomach is narrowed by peeling or burning with argon gas. In five-year follow-ups, this method has been shown to be effective in 85 percent of patients and largely eliminates symptoms."

In the endoscopic fundoplication method, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower part of the esophagus and sutured. Stating that these endoscopic methods are preferred over surgical interventions because they require fewer incisions, are painless, have shorter recovery times, and have lower risks of complications, Karaca adds, "To decide which treatment method is appropriate, the patient's condition and the severity of the reflux disease should be taken into account, and a gastroenterologist must be consulted."

10 effective precautions against reflux!

Precautions to be taken against reflux disease;

Elevate the head of your bed or use double pillows under your head

Avoid eating three hours before bedtime

Reduce the amount and fat content of meals, as well as caffeine and chocolate consumption

Avoid smoking, alcohol, acidic beverages, and foods with tomato paste and spices

Lose your excess weight in a healthy way

Do not wear corsets or tight belts that increase intra-abdominal pressure

Stay away from stress, learn to manage stress

Avoid using painkillers as much as possible

Exercise regularly, but be careful to exercise two hours after a meal, not immediately after

Since consuming water during meals can facilitate reflux, drink water between meals

News Source: 12punto