Medical Blog

Technical studies

A simple test to determine whether it was indeed a problem of acid fire going, is to the patient for several weeks to give a high dose omeprazole. This is a drug that inhibits stomach acid production (see below). If the symptoms stop this, it is almost certain that it is GERD.




Endoscopy

An endoscopy is the most appropriate method to study the condition of the lining of the esophagus, possibly. bleeding, strictures, etc. to investigate. It is a narrow tube on which a camera is mounted through the mouth into the esophagus slid under local anesthesia. Possibly. is simultaneously a part of the mucosa to be removed (biopsy) to investigate the presence of certain microbes or tumors.
With an endoscopy is of course not the acid burn themselves to consider but only a pos. effects on the mucosa can be detected.
Endoscopy is the most appropriate method for the evolution of Barrett's esophagus (see below) closely.

Acid Test

To measure the acid fire itself is a special acid test or 24 hours pH-metry. It is through a tube that is inserted through the nose for 24 hours the acidity in the esophagus recorded.

Is it bad?

Reflux into the esophagus is not a serious problem. When this occurs repeatedly or prolonged, however, complications may arise that could be serious.
Reflux esophagitis
This is an irritation and inflammation of the esophageal mucosa from exposure to stomach acid. This can cause internal bleeding and narrowing of the esophagus (stricture) cause. This, in turn, severe swallowing problems.
There is no correlation between the severity of the complaints and, if necessary. damage to the esophagus wall. Oesophagitis may occur without symptoms.

Barrett's esofagus

In severe esophagitis may be so damaged the normal mucosa, which is developing a new type of lining that resembles the gastric mucosa. This is called Barrett's esofagus. This new lining is an important risk factor of esophageal cancer. Most cases of Barrett's esophagus begin as esofagus.
The risk of GERD is evolving into a Barrett's esofagus is limited. The risk is greatest in people who at a young age with GERD are geconfrontreerd and when the symptoms are severe and last long.

Respiratory Problems

• Asthma.
Asthma and GERD often occur together. About half of asthma patients could also suffer from GERD. It is not clear what is cause and effect. According to some theories, the typical asthma symptoms (coughing, sneezing ...) give rise to pressure changes in the chest, which reflux can occur. Conversely, the stomach acid stimulate the respiratory system, leading to an asthma reaction could result.

• sleep apnea.

GERD is often associated with sleep apnea during sleep where breathing briefly and repeatedly interrupted. This can indicate certain heart problems. It is not clear whether GERD is the basis of the apnea, or vice versa. The fact is that GERD is usually more intense when it is accompanied by apnea.

• other throat problems

GERD also causes many other throat and respiratory symptoms such as hoarseness, coughing, dry and irritated throat which is associated with repetitive cough, a lump sensation in the throat, etc. For unexplained throat symptoms should always think of a possible heartburn problem.

Heart problems

Heart Cramp (angina pectoris) and GERD often occur together. It is thought that in people with vascular disease reflux may trigger an angina pectoris could temporarily disrupt the blood flow to the heart.

Dental Problems

Erosion of tooth enamel is a common problem by the ravages of stomach acid into the mouth.