Gastro Esophageal Reflux (GERD), a disease that occurs due to unhealthy nutrition and lifestyle habits, is encountered in one in every four to five adults in Turkey.
Private Health Hospital General Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. İsmail Yaman said that not every reflux detected in coincidental examinations should be considered as a disease and specialist doctors should be consulted.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yaman said, “Gastroesophageal reflux is the reflux of stomach contents back into the esophagus without any straining, such as gagging. In order to diagnose reflux disease, the person must either have clinical complaints or have clear findings endoscopically. It is a very common disease. One in every four or five adults in Turkey has gastroesophageal reflux disease.”
CAN BE CONFUSED WITH HEART ATTACK
Assoc. Prof. Dr. İsmail Yaman, who stated that the most typical and most common symptoms of reflux are bitter water coming into the mouth and burning behind the breastbone, said, “These complaints increase especially after eating, when bending forward or lying down. In addition to these, symptoms that we call atypical symptoms can also be seen. One of these is chest pain that can spread to the neck, throat and jaw, which can be confused with a heart attack. GERD is the most common cause of chest pain that is not of cardiac origin. Again, there is a bitter, sour acid taste in the throat, and a constant desire to clear the throat. Chronic irritating cough, persistent - frequently recurring upper respiratory tract infections can be seen. GERD is the 3rd most common cause of dry cough. Although there are many causes, the most common causes are the laxity of the valve mechanism consisting of the muscles that should be between the lower part of the esophagus and the upper part of the stomach, stomach hernias or the consumption of substances such as alcohol, cigarettes and fatty foods.”
THERE ARE 3 MAIN TREATMENTS
Assoc. Prof. Dr. İsmail Yaman, who noted that there are 3 main treatments for GERD: diet, medication and surgery, provided the following information: “Simple measures such as staying away from fatty, spicy foods, alcohol and cigarettes, eating little and often, walking, and raising the head of the bed can reduce symptoms in approximately 20 percent of patients. Drug treatment is 90 percent successful. However, complaints recur in 80-90 percent of patients after stopping the medication. Some patients may require continuous use of the medication. If the patient refuses to use medication or diet for a long time, if there are side effects due to the medication, if the patient continues to have complaints despite using the medication for a long time, if there is a large stomach hernia, surgical treatment should be applied to these patients. The chance of success is close to 100 percent with the right patient selection and appropriate technique. Laparoscopic (closed) method should be preferred in surgical treatment. In this way, patient comfort is much better, and people can be discharged on the first or second day.”
