Reflux esophagitis in adults. Reflux esophagitis: symptoms and treatment, diet, prognosis. Traditional medicine methods

Reflux esophagitis - what is it, symptoms and treatment at home

Reflux esophagitis is a disease characterized by the backflow of stomach contents and gastric juices into the esophagus. The first symptoms include burning sensations and discomfort in the esophagus and this disease is becoming more and more common these days.

The risk of getting sick increases with age, the disease should not be underestimated - if not properly treated, traditional dietary habits and lifestyle are not changed, it can lead to damage and chronic inflammation of the esophagus, erosive esophagitis and even cancer of the esophagus.

What it is?

Reflux esophagitis is an inflammatory disease of the esophagus that develops against the background of regular reflux - the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Food along with gastric juice, getting into the esophagus, irritate and injure its mucous membrane. At first, this is manifested only by heartburn, then the patient is tormented by painful sensations.

Causes

The acute form often appears due to some factor of short-term action. It can be:

damage by caustic chemicals,
infectious diseases,
physical impact (when inserting a probe, burn),
allergic reactions to food.

Most severe consequences occur due to chemical damage. With infectious lesions, the cause is a decrease in the immune forces of the body.

Chronic forms appear on the background of drinking alcohol or spicy food. This effect must be permanent. If a person works with vapors of chemicals without respiratory protection, then professional esophagitis develops.

Chronic forms can be caused by:

prolonged intoxication,
unexplained reasons,
vitamin deficiency,
violations of the evacuation function of the esophagus.

If there is a reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, then peptic esophagitis develops.

Degrees and forms

The course of the disease is characterized by several stages, and the symptoms gradually increase, and the erosive lesion of the esophagus becomes more pronounced.

The disease can take the following forms:

Catarrhal reflux esophagitis	with this form, swelling of the mucous membrane of the esophagus occurs. Swallowing causes severe pain, the patient does not leave the sensation of a foreign object in the throat.
Acute reflux esophagitis	for this form of the disease, painful sensations are characteristic only during meals, and the pain is localized in the upper part of the sternum, along the esophagus. Also, acute reflux esophagitis is characterized by impaired swallowing and general malaise.
Erosive reflux esophagitis	a complicated form of the disease, in which small ulcers (erosion) form on the mucosa of the esophagus. With erosive reflux esophagitis, all of the above symptoms become more pronounced, bringing tangible discomfort to the patient. The manifestations of the disease are aggravated after eating, as well as some medicines such as aspirin.

The chronic form is manifested by a regular increase in the symptoms of the disease, alternating with a rest phase. With this form of the disease, chronic inflammation of the walls of the esophagus occurs, which is manifested by a burning sensation behind the sternum, pain "in the pit of the stomach." Chronic reflux esophagitis is accompanied by frequent hiccups, shortness of breath and vomiting.

Symptoms of reflux esophagitis

In adults with reflux esophagitis, the first and main symptom is heartburn, familiar to many. It can manifest itself at different times of the day, immediately after eating or when a person is in a horizontal position.

It is also quite common to experience such symptoms of reflux esophagitis as chest pain, which is often perceived as pain in the heart. In other cases, the symptoms described above may be completely absent, and swallowing disorders appear. This may indicate the development of cicatricial narrowing of the esophagus and the transition of the disease to a more serious stage.

Other symptoms of reflux esophagitis should also be noted:

Dysphagia or impaired passage of food, failures of the swallowing reflex.
Belching of sour stomach contents or air.
Chronic cough or "lung mask" caused by obstruction of the bronchi with viscous secretions. Often this is due to the ingress of small particles into the bronchi from the esophagus.
Destruction of tooth enamel due to the reflux of acid into the oral cavity from the esophagus.
"Otolaryngological mask" is associated with the development of rhinitis and pharyngitis. The mucous membrane of the nose and pharynx becomes inflamed due to frequent contact with the acidic contents of the stomach, which enters the larynx.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to clearly determine the presence of reflux disease, as it often "masks" as other diseases.

Diagnostics

To make an accurate diagnosis and determine the degree of damage to the mucous membrane, the patient is given:

pH meter daily - allows you to assess the level of acidity in the esophagus, the number and duration of reflux per day;
fibrogastroduadenoscopy - FGDS - one of the most informative methods, allows a specialist to see and assess the condition of the esophageal mucosa and the presence of erosion, inflammation and other changes;
x-ray diagnostics with contrast agents - this is necessary to detect ulcers, narrowing, inflammatory changes in the esophagus and assess its patency.

Additionally, they can conduct a radioisotope study to assess the motor and evacuation capacity of the esophagus, a morphological study of mucosal cells to exclude malignant degeneration, and other studies.

Treatment of reflux esophagitis

In the event of reflux esophagitis, good results are obtained by complex treatment, which consists not only in taking medications, but also in following a diet, in striving for a general improvement of the body.

Diet and lifestyle of a patient with reflux esophagitis:

Dream. It is important to get enough sleep (if possible, 7-8 hours a day).
The daily routine should be built in such a way as to exclude nervous overload at work or at home.
Try not to lift heavy things, and also less strain your abdominal muscles
Avoid taking drugs that reduce the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (nitrates, β-blockers, aminophylline, sedatives, hypnotics, and others).

You also need to stop wearing tight clothes, belts, corsets. You need to sleep on a high pillow so that your head is higher than the level of your stomach.

Medical treatment

There are several groups of drugs prescribed for reflux disease.

1) Antacids - drugs that reduce acidity by neutralizing it.

Almagel - 5-10 mg. (1-2 measuring spoons) 3-4 times a day 10-15 minutes before meals.

When severe pain after eating, Almagel A is recommended, since in addition to neutralizing the acid, it also relieves pain. The duration of treatment with Almagel A is not longer than 7 days, after which they switch to regular Almagel.

2) Prokinetics - drugs that increase the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter. The active substance is called dopiridone, it is part of drugs such as (motilium, motilac). or other active substance itopride (genaton).

Motilium - adults 20 mg. (2 tablets) 3 times a day, 20-30 minutes before meals, when symptoms are present and at night, then at bedtime.

3) Antisecretory drugs - drugs that reduce acidity by suppressing its formation.

Omeprazole - 20-40 mg (1-2 capsules per day), drinking a capsule with a small amount of water. The capsule must not be chewed.
Famotidine 20 mg. 2 times a day.

The duration of treatment and the number of drugs depends on the severity of the disease. On average, treatment is carried out with at least 2 groups of drugs (Motilium + Almagel, Motilium + Omeprazole). The duration of treatment is 4-6 weeks. In severe cases, 3 groups of drugs are prescribed for more than 6 weeks.

Surgery

In the absence of the effect of the described non-surgical techniques and frequent relapses of reflux esophagitis, the patient may first be advised endoscopic treatment. It consists in stitching the lower of the esophageal sphincters or in introducing into it various polymeric substances that contribute to the normalization of its barrier function.

Indications for radical surgery are:

development of complications (repeated bleeding, narrowing, etc.);
preservation of symptoms and endoscopic manifestations of esophagitis, subject to adequate drug treatment for six months;
frequent pneumonia developing due to aspiration of gastric acid contents;
Barrett's esophagus with established severe dysplasia;
a combination of reflux esophagitis with bronchial asthma that cannot be adequately treated.

In all these situations, surgeons perform a fundoplication (the lower part of the esophagus is lowered 2-3 centimeters into the abdominal cavity, a kind of cuff is formed from the gastric wall at the junction with the esophagus and sutured to the diaphragm, an overly wide opening in the diaphragm is sutured, and the cuff is moved into mediastinum).

Access can be traditional (when the abdomen or chest is cut) or laparoscopic (all the necessary manipulations are carried out through small holes - punctures through which the necessary endoscopic instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity).

Diet

A patient with reflux esophagitis is prescribed a very strict diet. The list of prohibited foods is very large:

rich soups or broths.
marinades, smoked meats, pickles - also enhance the secretory function of the stomach.
drinks that increase acidity gastric juice- these include any alcohol, carbonated drinks, natural fruit juices.
sweets, chocolate, strong tea, coffee - these foods relax the lower sphincter of the stomach, causing stagnation of food.
cabbage, black bread, legumes, peas, fresh milk - these products contribute to gas formation and increased pressure in the stomach.
fruits, especially citrus fruits, contribute to heartburn.
fatty and fried foods also slow down digestion and provoke heartburn.
chewing gum is also banned. It enhances salivation and promotes the production of gastric juice.
you need to abandon the excessive consumption of spicy foods, spices, mayonnaise and other sauces.

The menu for reflux esophagitis should be composed of the following products:

milk, low-fat cottage cheese and sour cream;
chicken, soft-boiled eggs;
cereals boiled in water;
dried white bread;
lean meat, steamed, in the oven;
boiled vegetables;
boiled lean fish;
compotes, kissels from sweet fruits.

It is undesirable to eat fruits or vegetables raw, it is better to bake them in the oven. Vegetables can be stewed with a little oil, cook light vegetable soup with lean meat.

You should also pay attention to the meal schedule - it is recommended to eat every 3-4 hours, and portions should be small, dinner should be early - 4 hours before bedtime. Products should not be too hot (so as not to injure the affected walls of the esophagus) or cold (this causes vasospasm). Proper nutrition is the key to successful treatment of reflux esophagitis.

Due to the constant reflux of gastric contents (sometimes along with the contents of the duodenum), the mucous membrane of the esophagus is injured. A serious disease develops - reflux esophagitis. It is dangerous with severe bleeding from and erosion, degeneration into Barrett's esophagus,. With reflux esophagitis, treatment is long, since it is necessary to eliminate not only the symptoms, but also the cause of gastroesophageal reflux.

Symptoms of reflux esophagitis

One of the characteristic symptoms of reflux esophagitis is heartburn.

Inflammation of the esophagus, caused by irritation of the mucous membrane with the acidic contents of the stomach, is manifested by esophageal dyspepsia. The most characteristic symptoms for reflux esophagitis are:

. Describing this condition, patients put their hand on the sternum, indicating the location of the burning sensation. Sometimes it radiates to the neck, shoulder blade. If the heartburn is mild, it goes away 3 to 5 minutes after taking antacids. It is possible to eliminate it by drinking a glass of milk. Increases with overeating, bending over, after taking alcohol, carbonated drinks.
Belching. Patients complain of regurgitation. An unpleasant sour or bitter taste appears in the mouth. Belching indicates the development of stenosis of the esophagus. Especially dangerous is nocturnal regurgitation during sleep (the contents of the esophagus enter the respiratory tract).
Pain behind the sternum. It is burning, intense, aggravated in the lying position, with the torso leaning forward. Irradiates to the interscapular region, neck, lower jaw. According to the clinical manifestation, pain with reflux esophagitis is similar to.
Dysphagia. On early stages patients complain of difficulty swallowing solid food (bread, meat). If the disease progresses, the lumen of the esophagus narrows significantly (becomes less than 13 mm), then even saliva is difficult to swallow.
Esophageal bleeding. It's extremely dangerous symptom requiring urgent surgical intervention.
The appearance of foam in the mouth. An extremely rare sign of reflux esophagitis. It occurs due to the intensive production of secretions by the salivary glands (up to 10 ml per minute), in response to the esophago-salivary reflex.

In addition to the standard clinical esophageal manifestations, patients complain of other symptoms. Sometimes a completely different disease is treated for a long time and persistently, since dysphagia, heartburn are less pronounced than extraesophageal symptoms:

Dental. Due to the ingress of gastric juice into the mouth, erosions appear on the tongue, teeth are destroyed, develops,. Patients complain of salivation.
The ENT organs become inflamed (nasopharyngitis, rhinitis, etc. develop). Patients are concerned about the feeling of a lump, spasm in the throat. Ulcers, granulomas, polyps appear on the vocal cords. The patient's voice becomes hoarse, rougher. Reflux esophagitis contributes to the development of cancerous lesions of the pharynx, vocal cords, and larynx.
bronchopulmonary symptoms. With reflux esophagitis in 6–10% of patients, the disease manifests itself with an exceptionally persistent cough, asthma attacks, which occur mainly at night.
Pseudocardial. Pain behind the sternum with reflux esophagitis is difficult to distinguish from "angina pectoris". It even irradiates in the same way as with angina pectoris. This is due to the innervation of the esophagus and the heart by the same nerve. These symptoms occur in 70% of patients. They initially turn to a cardiologist, but do not show deviations.
Cardiac symptoms. Patients, especially the elderly, complain of tachycardia, with attacks of pain caused by reflux. Due to the pathology of the esophagus, reflex angina pectoris, myocardial ischemia develops.
Signs of damage to the stomach. Patients complain of pain and heaviness in the abdomen, aggravated after eating, rapid satiety, nausea.

People with reflux esophagitis often have hiccups. They even complain about and unsuccessfully treat the spine.

Diagnostics

The doctor makes the final diagnosis based on the results of FGDS.

It is possible to identify the entry of bile into the esophagus according to the patient's complaints of a bitter taste in the mouth, especially in the morning, a yellowish coating on the tongue. Duodenal reflux is finally determined by analyzing the scraping of the tongue for the presence of bile acids.

Some clinical manifestations are not enough to establish the diagnosis of "reflux esophagitis". This disease is accompanied by serious changes in the mucous membrane of the esophagus. Therefore, before treating reflux esophagitis, it is necessary to differentiate it from other diseases. The doctor prescribes such additional studies:

, esophagus, stomach;
test with proton pump inhibitors.

The final diagnosis is made after the procedure, if appropriate histological and morphological changes in the esophageal mucosa are detected. In the presence of ulcers, erosion, a biopsy is necessary.

Treatment

Medicines

If the disease is not started, complications (bleeding, ulcers, etc.) are not detected, conservative treatment is carried out. Prescribe medications:

prokinetics;
antisecretory agents;
antacids.

Prokinetics improve the functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter, reduce the number of refluxes.

Among antisecretory drugs for healing erosions, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are preferable. Only they must be taken correctly (half an hour before meals), otherwise the effect of their use will be minimal.

With resistance of patients to PPIs, monotherapy with antacids is carried out. In severe cases, a complex is prescribed:

blockers of H 2 -histamine receptors;
antacids.

Occasionally, PPI resistance occurs in patients with esophageal hypersensitivity. Therefore, proton pump inhibitors are prescribed with drugs that reduce sensitivity:

tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline);
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine, paroxetine).

Antacids reduce the effect of hydrochloric acid and other components of the reflux on the mucosa of the esophagus.

If it is revealed that, in addition to gastric juice, the contents of the duodenum enter the esophagus, drugs that neutralize bile acids are prescribed:

ursodeoxycholic acid;
antacids;
cholestyramine.

Tablets, so as not to damage the esophagus even more, should be taken sitting or standing, washed down with plenty of water (100-150 ml).

Diet and lifestyle

In addition to medication, patients with reflux esophagitis must definitely change their lifestyle. There are certain rules that must be followed in order to reduce the number of refluxes:

Skip the afternoon break. Do not eat 3 hours before bedtime. After eating, it is better not to take a horizontal position, but to take a walk on fresh air or just sit, walk around the room for half an hour.
Do not wear tight clothing. Underwear that tightens the stomach is strictly contraindicated. No pulling belts, tight belts, corsets.
You need to go to bed so that the head of the bed is raised by 15 cm.
Reduce the load on the abdominal muscles, especially after eating. It is impossible to destroy the extra calories eaten instantly by pumping the press, making forward bends. Set aside these exercises for 2 hours.

Mandatory for reflux esophagitis diet. With an exacerbation of the disease, treatment table No. 4 is shown. As you recover, most of the restrictions are removed, but the following remain banned:

alcohol;
carbonated drinks;
strong tea with coffee;
spicy, salty.

Sometimes patients with reflux esophagitis do not tolerate citrus fruits, tomatoes, apples - they cause heartburn. It is also better to refuse these products.

Surgery

Surgical treatment is necessary for:

strictures of the esophagus;
frequent bleeding;
relapses of aspiration pneumonia;
transformation of the disease into Barrett's esophagus;
ineffectiveness of drug therapy.

For surgical treatment, they resort to fundoplication - circular suturing of the fundus of the stomach to the esophagus. This method is necessary so that in the future food from the stomach does not fall back into the esophagus.

Erosive reflux esophagitis, also called peptic, distal or "", is inflammatory disease mucous membrane of the distal esophagus.

The disease develops as a result of periodic reflux of the secret of the stomach or pancreas into the lower esophagus. The acids contained in the gastric juice adversely affect the mucous membrane of the esophageal tube.

Initially, hyperemia of the epithelium appears, but with further exposure of the secretion of the stomach to the mucosa erosions, ulcers, and after - scars are formed. These are single or multiple ulcerations and scarring.

The most common is distal erosive reflux esophagitis: what is it? This is a form of the disease in which erosion on the mucous membrane of the esophagus occurs in the distal, that is, the lowest part of it, close to the stomach.

The disease develops due to dysfunction of the sphincter of the lower esophagus.

If the muscle ring does not close tightly, then favorable conditions for getting (reverse casting) of the secret of the stomach into the distal esophageal tube.

Patients should not expose the body to excessive physical exertion, do not wear tight clothing, especially in the abdominal area.

If a patient has a confirmed mucosal change that has a high risk of degeneration into cancer, then if heartburn occurs, they urgently need to contact their doctor.

In the presence of "Barrett's esophagus" it is necessary to conduct an endoscopic examination with obligatory sampling of material for histology once a year, and according to indications - even more often.

Summing up

A successful outcome of the disease depends on the timely start of therapy, as well as on how conscientiously the patient will follow the doctor's recommendations regarding diet, work and rest. In case of any undesirable manifestations, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

Dysfunctions at work digestive tract often accompanied by the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Erosive reflux esophagitis in advanced form leads to ulcerative lesions, narrowing of the esophageal lumen and tumor formation. Esophagitis should be treated with the use of medicines, herbal medicine, diet. Sometimes only surgery can help.

Etiology and pathogenesis

Inflammation of the walls of the esophagus with areas of deformation occurs as a result of frequent episodes of reflux of acidic stomach contents. A healthy person does not feel cases of reflux. This is possible due to the good contractility of the sphincters at the border with the stomach, the neutralization of the acid of digestive juices by the cells of the walls of the esophagus, and the integrity of the integument of the organ. If the work of any protective link fails, the esophagus begins to undergo regular irritation with acid, enzymes, hyperemia and swelling of the tissues of the lower third of the organ occur. The walls of the esophagus become thinner, and the lesion deepens and spreads. Scars appear, erosion is formed, which gradually develops into an ulcer. List of causes of reflux esophagitis:

inflammation, ulcers and cancerous tumors of the stomach;
pancreatitis;
cholecystitis;
narrow gastric pylorus;
diaphragmatic hernia;
a consequence of stomach surgery;
power supply errors;
long-term drug courses;
excessive alcohol consumption and smoking;
period of pregnancy;
nervous tension;
overload of the abdominal muscles;
wearing tight clothing;
excess weight.

What are the symptoms of esophagitis?

Often the pathology makes itself felt after overeating.

The intensity of clinical manifestations depends on the degree of damage to the walls of the esophagus; there are also latent forms of the disease. With erosive reflux esophagitis, the symptoms are bright. Often, the onset of symptoms provokes the use of drugs, carbonated drinks, overeating, lying down or bending over and exercising immediately after eating. There are two types of symptoms:

If the process of replacing epithelial cells - Barrett's esophagus - is detected, it is necessary to undergo an annual endoscopy with a biopsy of the tissues of the organ.

Diagnosis of pathology

The complex of diagnostic procedures includes ph-metry of the esophagus.

If there is a burning sensation in the esophagus and other symptoms of digestive dysfunction, you should contact a gastroenterologist. Symptoms of the erosive form of the disease are sufficiently pronounced to suspect reflux esophagitis. After questioning and examination, the doctor will prescribe a laboratory study of blood and feces for hemorrhage. Instrumental methods of examination will help to confirm the accuracy of the diagnosis:

Esophagoscopy will allow you to examine the mucous membrane of the esophagus and determine the presence of hemorrhages, edema, localization of erosion.
Endoscopy with the introduction of dyes.
X-ray with barium contrast.
pH-metry of the esophagus measures the daily acidity of the environment of the organ.

Treatment Methods

Erosive pathology of the esophagus without complications is treated on an outpatient basis. The complex of measures of conservative therapy includes medicines, physiotherapy, herbal remedies, lifestyle correction. A strict diet for erosive esophagitis is one of the main therapeutic measures. In advanced cases of erosion of the esophagus, hospitalization and surgery are necessary.

Therapy with medicines

So that food does not stagnate in the stomach, the patient can take Cerucal.

Based on the results of the examination, the doctor prescribes a course of pharmacological agents. Drug therapy usually lasts a long time, about 8-12 weeks. After the end of the course, maintenance treatment is indicated for 6-12 months. Medicines are aimed at reducing gastric secretion, neutralizing acid and protecting the mucous layer of the esophagus, accelerating the evacuation of food from the stomach. The following tools are shown for this:

Surgery

If, after six months of conservative treatment, the manifestations of reflux esophagitis continue to bother the patient, there are frequent relapses, bleeding and transformation of the cells of the esophagus, surgery is necessary. It is possible to perform surgical manipulations with the help of an endoscope. Both open operations and laparoscopy through small punctures of the abdominal wall are practiced. During surgery, the diaphragmatic opening is sutured, and a cuff is formed from the gastric tissue, which is sutured to the diaphragm at the point of contact with the esophagus.

Erosive reflux esophagitis is a form of the disease that occurs quite often. The symptomatology is similar to other forms of the disease, in particular, with catarrhal, however, there are certain differences that enable specialists to suspect and begin treatment of the particular variety presented.

Reasons for the development of the condition

Erosive reflux esophagitis is characterized by certain causes of development. First of all, experts pay attention to the acute or chronic form of the esophagus - it is the presented factor that is considered the main one. In addition, quite often erosive areas on the surface of the mucous membrane are formed after burns, which can be obtained by interacting with technical fluid, alkali or acid.

At the same time, erosive esophagitis, the treatment of which is recommended to start as early as possible, can be formed under the influence of bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Quite often this happens in such patients who take certain medicinal components, in particular, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, glucocorticoids.

GERD should be considered an equally significant factor, because, as you know, the presented disease is formed due to the reflux of acidic stomach contents. This affects the formation of an inflammatory algorithm, which is esophagitis, including distal. Speaking about the pathological process, it should be noted that it is formed after the occurrence of the so-called sliding hernias. This negatively affects the functioning of the esophagus and therefore requires treatment.

In addition, erosive esophagitis, including distal esophagitis, may be the result of severe vomiting, ulcerative stenosis, or too short esophagus. About what are the features of the classification of the disease, will be described later.

Features of the classification of erosive esophagitis

Experts point out the possibility of classifying in connection with various signs, namely, the nature of the course, due to the ingress of gastric juice into the esophagus. Speaking about the first group, I would like to draw attention to acute and chronic esophagitis, each of which is a fairly common form of the disease.

Chronic esophagitis, due to the fact that it is formed over a long period of time, may be the cause of pathological changes.

Noting the features of the classification in connection with the cause of the penetration of gastric juice, experts pay attention to superficial, or catarrhal, ulcerative, distal. The last form of the disease is identified when the lower end of the esophagus, which connects to the stomach, is affected. With an ulcerative variety, inflammatory processes penetrate into the deepest layers, which leads to the formation of ulcerative lesions.

Thus, erosive esophagitis has a fairly extensive classification, and therefore, for an accurate diagnosis, it is strongly recommended to determine the most active symptoms. This is what will help to start treatment in the future, but should not become an obstacle to more qualified diagnostics, which will also be discussed later.

Symptoms of esophagitis

The leading symptom of the disease should be considered intense pain, which can be characterized by varying degrees of severity. At the same time, they are localized behind the sternum or in close proximity to the xiphoid process.. Symptoms of the disease have the following important features:

pains are even more intense at night, as well as during any physical activity;
next hallmark is heartburn, which is sometimes recommended to be treated separately. It is formed due to the influence of the acidic contents of the stomach on the mucous membrane;
heartburn is traditionally formed after eating, when taking a lying position, as well as during physical exertion.

Attention should be paid to the likelihood of belching. In the vast majority of cases, it indicates that there is insufficient functioning of the cardia. At the same time, some patients may even experience regurgitation of already consumed food. Treatment of each of the presented manifestations should be symptomatic, but such tactics do not always help. That is why experts insist that any erosive esophagitis, including distal, be subjected to a separate diagnosis.

It is equally important to remember that dysphagia is a fairly common symptom.

The presented condition is characterized by an intermittent feeling of delaying any food in the area next to the xiphoid process. Thus, taking into account all the symptoms indicated earlier, it is strongly recommended to attend to the correct diagnosis.

Diagnostic measures

First of all, when making a diagnosis, the main complaints of the patient are taken into account. However, to confirm the verdict, one cannot do without laboratory and instrumental methods. In particular, experts insist on the implementation of fibrogastroscopy, which is carried out in conjunction with targeted biopsy and radiography of the esophagus. As part of the presented survey, specialists are able to identify significant deviations. So, in this case we are talking about severe inflammation, erosion various types, for example, those that bleed or have already healed.

With the help of x-rays, it is possible to find an incomplete closure of the lower region of the esophagus, as well as to identify increased peristalsis. This helps to determine the characteristics of the condition and prescribe further treatment. In addition, experts insist on the study of biopsy material in order to assess the structure of the mucous membranes of the esophagus. Due to this, lesions, dysplasia and even metaplasia are identified.

In addition, a mandatory step in the diagnostic examination is a blood test. It allows you to confirm the degree of development of anemia, in addition, it is in this way that various bacterial lesions, in particular, Helicobacter, are detected. Thus, it is after a diagnostic examination that we can talk about starting treatment. All its features should be identified exclusively by a specialist.

Methods of treatment

Recovery in the presented form of the disease largely coincides with the treatment of other forms of the condition. First of all, treatment should imply the observance of a special diet, which implies certain restrictions. In particular, experts insist that, regardless of what symptoms appear, spicy and fatty foods, tomatoes, chocolate, as well as citrus components and coffee, should be excluded. In addition, it is strongly recommended to abandon the use of the nicotine component - this causes significant harm to the digestive system.

Regardless of the form of the disease, even if it is erosive-ulcerative esophagitis, special medicinal components should be taken.

In particular, we are talking about antacids, alganates and other drugs that contribute to the speedy healing of ulcers and other types of lesions. At the same time, drug treatment should include the use of anti-inflammatory and enveloping components.

Of particular note is the fact that treatment can be carried out as part of a diagnostic examination. In this case, we are talking about prokinetics, which prevent the relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, and also create obstacles for the reverse reflux of gastric juice. Speaking of additional recommendations facilitating treatment even if the esophagitis is distal, I would like to note the need to be not just in a horizontal position. It is advisable to lift upper part using a pillow.

Among other things, it should be noted that:

the use of additional medicines, in particular, analgesics and other analgesic components;
it is advisable to periodically consult with a specialist about the possibility of adjusting therapy;
it is equally important to indicate any changes with which the symptoms are associated: their weakening or, conversely, their strengthening.

It is in this case that the doctor will have the correct picture regarding the general condition, and the disease will be cured.

In general, treatment erosive reflux esophagitis is assessed as effective and helps to avoid the development of complications. This is most relevant under the condition of the earliest possible start of the recovery course. What are the most effective preventive measures will be discussed below.

Preventive measures

Prevention in this case is extremely simple and implies, first of all, the timely treatment of any diseases associated with the digestive system. It is in this case that her general condition will be optimal, not prone to the formation of complications. Further, it is strongly recommended to adhere to a certain diet in order to also maintain the state of the gastrointestinal tract in a normal state.

It is highly recommended to stop exposure to any bad habits, including the use of alcohol or the nicotine component. It is recommended to lead a moderately active lifestyle, in particular avoiding heavy lifting and other extreme activities.

In addition, experts point out the importance of regular examination of the body, for example, once a year, in order to exclude the development of any diseases.

Thus, erosive esophagitis, even if it is distal, is quite successfully treatable. However, in order to achieve this, it is necessary to pay attention to the symptoms in time and consult a specialist. Only in this case it will be possible to speak about the preservation of 100% of vital activity.

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1. Can cancer be prevented?
The occurrence of a disease such as cancer depends on many factors. No one can be completely safe. But everyone can significantly reduce the chances of a malignant tumor.

2. How does smoking affect the development of cancer?
Absolutely, categorically ban yourself from smoking. This truth is already tired of everyone. But quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing all types of cancer. Smoking is associated with 30% of deaths from oncological diseases. In Russia, lung tumors kill more people than tumors of all other organs.
Eliminating tobacco from your life is the best prevention. Even if you smoke not a pack a day, but only half, the risk of lung cancer is already reduced by 27%, as the American Medical Association found.

3. Does excess weight affect the development of cancer?
Keep your eyes on the scales! Overweight affect not only the waist. The American Institute for Cancer Research has found that obesity contributes to the development of tumors in the esophagus, kidneys, and gallbladder. The fact is that adipose tissue serves not only to store energy reserves, it also has a secretory function: fat produces proteins that affect the development of a chronic inflammatory process in the body. And oncological diseases just appear against the background of inflammation. In Russia, 26% of all cancer cases are associated with obesity.

4. Does exercise help reduce the risk of cancer?
Set aside at least half an hour a week for exercise. Sports are on the same level as proper nutrition when it comes to cancer prevention. In the US, a third of all deaths are attributed to the fact that patients did not follow any diet and did not pay attention to physical education. The American Cancer Society recommends exercising 150 minutes a week at a moderate pace or half as much but more vigorously. However, a study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer in 2010 proves that even 30 minutes is enough to reduce the risk of breast cancer (which affects one in eight women in the world) by 35%.

5.How does alcohol affect cancer cells?
Less alcohol! Alcohol is blamed for causing tumors in the mouth, larynx, liver, rectum, and mammary glands. Ethyl alcohol breaks down in the body to acetaldehyde, which then, under the action of enzymes, turns into acetic acid. Acetaldehyde is the strongest carcinogen. Alcohol is especially harmful to women, as it stimulates the production of estrogen - hormones that affect the growth of breast tissue. Excess estrogen leads to the formation of breast tumors, which means that every extra sip of alcohol increases the risk of getting sick.

6. Which cabbage helps fight cancer?
Love broccoli. Vegetables are not only part of a healthy diet, they also help fight cancer. This is why recommendations for healthy eating contain the rule: half of the daily diet should be vegetables and fruits. Especially useful are cruciferous vegetables, which contain glucosinolates - substances that, when processed, acquire anti-cancer properties. These vegetables include cabbage: ordinary white cabbage, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.

7. Which organ cancer is affected by red meat?
The more vegetables you eat, the less red meat you put on your plate. Studies have confirmed that people who eat more than 500 grams of red meat per week have a higher risk of developing colon cancer.

8. Which of the proposed remedies protect against skin cancer?
Stock up on sunscreen! Women aged 18-36 are particularly susceptible to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. In Russia, in just 10 years, the incidence of melanoma has increased by 26%, world statistics show an even greater increase. Both artificial tanning equipment and the sun's rays are blamed for this. The danger can be minimized with a simple tube of sunscreen. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2010 confirmed that people who regularly apply a special cream get melanoma half as often as those who neglect such cosmetics.
The cream should be chosen with a protection factor SPF 15, apply it even in winter and even in cloudy weather (the procedure should turn into the same habit as brushing your teeth), and also do not expose yourself to the sun's rays from 10 to 16 hours.

9. Do you think stress affects the development of cancer?
By itself, stress does not cause cancer, but it weakens the entire body and creates conditions for the development of this disease. Research has shown that constant worry alters the activity of the immune cells responsible for turning on the fight-and-flight mechanism. As a result, a large amount of cortisol, monocytes and neutrophils, which are responsible for inflammatory processes, constantly circulate in the blood. And as already mentioned, chronic inflammatory processes can lead to the formation of cancer cells.

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