Reflux esophagitis is one of the most common ailments of the esophagus. The disease affects its lower part due to increased acidity. An ailment develops due to direct contact of the contents of the stomach with the mucous membrane. Symptoms of reflux esophagitis are manifested primarily in the form of pain and heartburn. Some other digestive upsets are also possible.
How does reflux esophagitis manifest : symptoms in children
In each age group there are characteristic - own manifestations of the disease. In young children, reflux esophagitis manifests itself in the form of frequently repeated milk regurgitation and belching of air. The frequency of such manifestations decreases if the baby is held upright for some time immediately after feeding. But after the next meal, the signs of the disease return. In this case, even if the child continues to be upright, the symptoms of reflux esophagitis are aggravated. For this reason, the side of the berth on which the baby is laid with its head should be slightly raised. A high pillow also helps to remove the characteristic signs of the disease.
In older children, in addition to heartburn, in the case of reflux esophagitis, belching with acidic fluid and burning behind the sternum occur. Such symptoms of the disease are often observed when the body is tilted, after eating and during sleep.
The manifestation of the disease in adults
In an adult, symptoms of reflux esophagitis are manifested in the form of pain behind the sternum and a sensation of the presence of a coma in the throat. In addition, the symptoms of the disease may have a character that does not correspond to an eating disorder. A persistent cough, dental disease, hoarseness and some other symptoms not characteristic of the disease may occur.
Wayseliminate the disease
A qualified specialist should tell you how to treat reflux esophagitis. Complex therapy of this disease is usually effective. It includes medication and diet. Sometimes, to overcome the ailment, surgical intervention is required.
Features of nutrition during the treatment of reflux esophagitis
The diet is as follows:
- it is necessary to limit the use of products that enhance the process of gas formation;
- it is necessary to exclude from the menu excessively cold, hot, spicy food;
- it is strictly forbidden to take alcoholic beverages and products that reduce the tone of the sphincter (such as coffee, pepper, chocolate, garlic, onions and others);
- It is required to avoid overeating and supper a maximum of 3 hours before going to bed.
Thus, the symptoms of reflux esophagitis can be overcome.
Drug therapy
Treatment of the disease with medications is carried out for at least 2-3 months. Then follows maintenance therapy for another six months to a year. Used drugs "Rabeprazole", "Lansoprazole", "Omeprazole"; "Maalox", "Almagel"; "Metoclopramide."
Surgery
Indications for surgical treatment are:
- complication of reflux esophagitis of any nature;
- ineffective drug therapy;
- a combination of a disease with bronchial asthma.