Constant heartburn, an unpleasant bitter taste in the mouth, pain in the hypochondrium - all these signs often accompany the reflux of bile into the stomach. Despite the apparent simplicity of this problem and its prevalence, this condition requires extremely competent treatment. Otherwise, the risk of developing quite serious complications in the form of gastritis and stomach ulcers increases . That is why you should not close your eyes to such a problem as the throwing of bile into the stomach. The treatment, causes, symptoms of this pathology can be found by reading this article.
general information
Bile plays a direct role in the functioning of the digestive system of every person. It is constantly produced by the liver. Then it enters the gallbladder. From there, if necessary, it is thrown into the duodenum, where food is split.
Normally, the process of moving pieces of food through the esophagus is exclusively one-sided. Sphincters prevent her from throwing back. These are special muscle rings located on the border of the esophagus with the stomach.
When any disturbances or diseases occur, the sphincter ceases to normally perform its primary functions, which entails the throwing of bile into the stomach. The causes of this pathology can be very different, ranging from bad habits and ending with pregnancy. Interacting with gastric juice, which contains hydrochloric acid, bile can literally corrode the walls of the stomach. All this often leads to the development of rather serious diseases and even precancerous conditions.
Main reasons
- Excess pressure in the area of the duodenum. It can be triggered by neoplasms of a malignant nature, hernias.
- Pregnancy. In the third trimester, the fetus begins to squeeze the intestines, which entails the throwing of bile into the stomach.
- The reasons for the development of this pathological condition may be hidden in previous operations. If the sphincter was damaged during surgery, the likelihood that it will not subsequently fully close is increased.
- Use of medicines. The use of antispasmodics and muscle relaxants for a long time entails the relaxation of the muscular sphincter.
- Violation of the normal patency of the bile duct.
- Failure to comply with the diet.
- Bad habits (smoking, fast food, drinking alcohol).
Symptoms How exactly is the bile flow into the stomach manifested?
The causes of bile reflux into the stomach directly affect the symptoms of pathology. However, for this condition, several common signs are distinguished that allow the most accurate diagnosis to be made.
The following symptoms usually indicate the presence of bile in the stomach:
- constant feeling of dry mouth;
- causeless heartburn;
- a feeling of heaviness in the stomach;
- vomiting
- belching;
- yellow plaque on the tongue;
- taste of bitterness in the mouth.
Diagnostics
If the above symptoms persist for several days, you need to seek help from a gastroenterologist to undergo a full diagnostic examination. Its results allow us to determine the causes of bile into the stomach, as well as prescribe appropriate therapy. To confirm this diagnosis, in most cases, the following methods are used:
- Ultrasonography.
- Gastroscopy. For this procedure, the doctor uses a flexible endoscope with a miniature camera. Gastroscopy allows you to determine the presence of any deviations in the digestive tract.
- X-ray using barium.
What should be the therapy?
You should not ignore such a problem as the throwing of bile into the stomach. The reasons for the development of this pathology, as a rule, “dictate” subsequent therapy. Depending on the factors that triggered its development, treatment may be conservative or surgical in nature.
The first option is aimed at neutralizing the irritating effect of bile on the mucous membranes of the organs, as well as ensuring their adequate cleansing. For these purposes, the following drugs are used:
- antacids that reduce the level of acidity in the stomach (preparations "Maalox", "Rabeprazole", "Almagel");
- pyrokinetics that help remove bile from the stomach (Domperidone, Metoclopramide preparations);
- means for enhancing the motility of the gallbladder;
- antispasmodics (drugs "Papaverine", "Drotaverin", "Scopolamine").
The decision on surgical intervention in each case is made exclusively by a specialist.
What should be the nutrition?
In addition to drug treatment, a special diet is recommended for all patients, without exception. First of all, you should abandon fatty, fried, spicy and excessively salty foods. The diet should mainly consist of steamed vegetables, lean meat. For breakfast, it is better to cook oatmeal in the water. All food is recommended to be taken in small portions approximately five times a day.
This rather simple diet, coupled with therapy, allows you to forget about such a problem as the throwing of bile into the stomach. The causes of the pathology, as already noted above, often lie in the bad habits of the patient. You should completely abandon the use of alcohol, cigarettes, coffee.
Possible complications
In no case should you underestimate this problem. In the absence of adequate treatment, the likelihood of developing diseases such as a stomach ulcer, gastritis, Barrett's esophagus (precancerous condition) increases.
Conclusion
In this article we described in as much detail as possible why bile in the stomach is so dangerous. The causes, symptoms and treatment of this condition should not be ignored. Otherwise, the risk of forming quite dangerous ailments, including cancer, increases.