Have you ever experienced acid reflux, frequent belching, or a burning sensation in your chest after eating spicy foods, hot pot, or barbecue? If you frequently have similar symptoms, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
According to Cao Tingting, Deputy Chief Physician of the Gastroenterology Department at Jiangsu Provincial Hospital, GERD refers to symptoms and complications caused by stomach contents flowing back into the esophagus, mouth, throat, or lungs. It is a common chronic digestive disorder. GERD is characterized by recurrent episodes, which can significantly impact quality of life when severe and increase the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
The causes of GERD are complex, involving genetics, weakened anti-reflux defenses, esophageal hypersensitivity, and psychological factors. Key risk factors include age, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, certain medications, and psychosocial influences.
Typical clinical manifestations include heartburn and regurgitation. Additional symptoms encompass chest pain, dysphagia, belching, globus sensation, coughing, and wheezing. Some symptoms are atypical, leading to misdiagnosis. Heartburn typically describes a burning sensation behind the sternum, while regurgitation refers to the flow of gastric contents toward the pharynx or oral cavity. Acid reflux is a common presentation.
To improve and manage symptoms, it is essential to eliminate poor lifestyle habits that trigger or exacerbate GERD. Examples include avoiding overeating, refraining from eating before bedtime, limiting high-fat diets, and quitting smoking and alcohol.
How can one prevent GERD recurrence?Deputy Chief Physician Cao Tingting points out that both poor lifestyle habits and improper diet can trigger reflux symptoms. Therefore, actively adjusting and making reasonable changes is crucial for preventing recurrent episodes. Key points include:
1. Being overweight or obese increases abdominal pressure, especially in cases of abdominal obesity. This elevated pressure can worsen reflux symptoms, making active weight loss essential.
2.Both smoking and alcohol are significant triggers for reflux. The more you consume, the higher the incidence of reflux. Therefore, actively quitting smoking and drinking is an effective method to control recurrent reflux.Increasing protein intake and adopting a high-fiber diet can help improve reflux symptoms.
4. Avoid overeating and refrain from eating within 3 hours before bedtime. Do not lie down immediately after meals; engage in light activity instead.
5. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is closely linked to psychological factors. High stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions can trigger or worsen symptoms. Therefore, patients should focus on emotional regulation, avoid mental stress, maintain emotional balance, cultivate a positive outlook, and balance work with rest. If symptoms persist, seek psychological counseling.
6. Elevating the head of the bed or sleeping on the left side can help reduce reflux episodes when necessary.
7. Other factors increasing abdominal pressure—such as wearing tight clothing, overly tight belts, or repeated bending and flexing—should also be corrected.