A large number of people are wondering if the cardia does not close completely - what it is and why it happens. This disease, which is called insufficiency (chalasia) of the cardia of the stomach, causes disturbances in the motor function of the digestive tract. Often in the early stages of development, the patient does not seriously take the symptoms of this disease and resorts to self-medication. Such behavior can lead to a chronic form of the disease and the occurrence of dangerous pathological processes. This article will talk about the causes and symptoms of this disease.
Cardia Functions
The sphincter of the cardia separates the esophagus and the stomach and prevents the return of the contents of the stomach and the juices involved in the digestion process back into the esophagus. In those situations when the cardia of the stomach does not close completely, the gastric contents can cause damage to the mucous membrane of this part of the digestive canal.
Inflammation in the esophagus for a long time contributes to the development of certain diseases. Lack of timely treatment can lead to the development of cancer of the esophagus.
Symptoms and stages of the disease
When the cardia does not close completely, what is it and what are the symptoms of this disease? This question interests many people who have encountered this problem.
Typically, with the development of cardiac valve insufficiency, the following symptoms are of concern to patients:
- Burning sensation in the esophagus, which is localized behind the sternum and under the xiphoid process.
- The presence of nausea, in some cases vomiting.
- Return air from the stomach or esophagus, belching with acidic contents.
If the vagus nerve is irritated, in the case when the cardia does not close completely in the esophagus, sensations of weakness and headache may appear.
There are three stages of this disease:
- The muscles of the sphincter of the cardia retain their mobility. A slight gaping of the hole is observed, of the characteristic symptoms there is only belching with air without any aftertaste.
- The sphincter almost loses mobility, the valve closes the hole only half.
- The sphincter is completely motionless, the hole resembles a gaping hole. There are signs of inflammation, erosion, ulcers.
The cardia does not close completely: what is it (reasons)
The development of chalazia cardia can trigger certain factors and diseases.
- The main reason for all pathologies of the digestive system is an unbalanced diet: overeating, drinking soda, sour fruits, alcohol-based drinks, strong tea or coffee in unlimited quantities. There is an opinion that citrus fruits, tomatoes and chocolate most contribute to the fact that the cardia does not close completely. The esophagus and its mucosa experience additional stresses, and digestive system disorders are observed.
- Sedentary lifestyle. With a deficit of physical activity, the muscles of the thoracic spine may undergo atrophy over time. Partial displacement of organs, occurring under the influence of this process, serves as an impetus that provokes the development of cardia failure.
- Overweight people are also often interested in the fact that the cardia does not close completely - what does it mean.
- Cardiac valve insufficiency sometimes develops against the background of certain gastric diseases.
- An increase in intra-abdominal pressure caused by pregnancy, heavy physical exertion, and wearing tight clothing is also a symptom of this disease.
Treatment methods
In cases where the cardia does not close completely (what it is, a gastroenterologist can easily explain), treatment should be carried out immediately. His choice depends on the severity and intensity of the symptoms, the presence of complications.
The main objectives of the course of this therapy are:
- Elimination of the course of the disease, which provokes a pathological process in the sphincter of the esophagus.
- Decrease in abdominal pressure.
- The fight against symptoms, the manifestation of which forces patients to look for the answer to the question of if the cardia does not close completely, how to treat this disease.
- Establishing the normal functioning of the esophageal sphincter.
To solve these problems, the doctor may prescribe certain medications, a special diet, or resort to behavioral therapy. People suffering from obesity will need to get rid of extra pounds.
Therapeutic diet
The diet in the treatment of cardia failure is based on a fractional meal. In order to reduce the pressure inside the stomach, it is recommended to eat small portions of food. Specialists advise eating at least 4 times a day.
In order not to contribute to irritation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, it is recommended to exclude certain foods from the diet.
- Alcohol-based drinks.
- Marinades, pickles, smoked meat.
- Semi-finished products and sausages.
- Carbonated drinks.
- Strong coffee and tea.
If you follow a diet that helps the cardia to close completely, the esophagus is freely passable, it is recommended not to eat food in a very hot or cold state.
Drug therapy
In cases where the cardia outlet does not close completely, treatment is prescribed by a doctor at the rate of the diagnosed disease. Very often, gastritis is the cause of cardia failure. In such cases, specialists prescribe drugs that reduce the aggressiveness of the contents of the stomach:
- Medications that slow down gastric secretion.
- Drugs that neutralize high acidity.
- Film-forming drugs.
- Mucus stimulating agents.
At the initial stage of development of cardia failure, the course of treatment can be aimed at removing and mitigating the symptoms of the disease.
Currently, drugs that can stimulate the motility of the gastrointestinal tract are gaining popularity. They are called prokinetics.
In cases of infection, antibiotics are also included in the treatment of this disease.
The identification of concomitant diseases and the study of a detailed history allow specialists to choose an individual course of treatment for each patient. There are cases (lack of an effective treatment result, hernia of the esophagus), when surgical intervention cannot be avoided.
Lifestyle
In order to ensure that the esophagus is freely passable, the cardia closes completely, certain rules should be followed:
- It is not advised to abuse physical activity and sharply bend over, especially after eating.
- Do not wear tight clothes that fit the body, tight belts and belts.
- Immediately after dinner, you should not go to bed, it will be useful to move a little.
- Sleeping is recommended by lifting the head end of the bed.
- Eating is advised at least three hours before bedtime.
Treatment with folk remedies
In the treatment of chalazia cardia often use traditional medicine. You can resort to them only after consulting a specialist.
To defeat this disease is possible in the following ways:
- Before eating, it is advised to drink half a glass of decoction from the root of the marsh calamus.
- Dandelion flowers should be grated with sugar. The resulting syrup must be dissolved in half a glass of water and taken orally.
- An effective remedy in the treatment of cardia failure is considered to be a caraway decoction.
- Before eating, it is advised to use plantain juice obtained from fresh leaves of the plant
- Licorice root syrup has enveloping properties
Currently, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are very common. Initial, non-disturbing symptoms from different parts of the digestive system should be an occasion for an immediate visit to a specialist. This step will allow you to identify pathology in its initial stage, in time to start a course of treatment, to avoid unpleasant consequences.