Duodenogastric reflux is a phenomenon in which part of the contents of the duodenum is thrown into the stomach. As a rule, duodenogastric reflux accompanies such diseases of the gastrointestinal tract as gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic gastritis, and peptic ulcer of the duodenum and stomach.
Duodenogastric reflux. Possible consequences
The ducts of the liver, as well as the pancreas exit into the duodenum, for this reason its secret contains a large amount of bile and pancreatic juice. When these liquids are thrown into the stomach, its mucosa is not able to neutralize the enzymes of bile and pancreas, inflammation begins and there is the possibility of a serious burn of the gastric mucosa. The result of this can be a disease such as reflux gastritis (another name - chemical gastritis type C).
Duodenogastric reflux. Symptoms
Symptoms associated with duodenogastric reflux are not always pronounced. Sometimes this phenomenon can be completely asymptomatic, but it is detected during an electro-gastroduodenoscopic examination.
Usually, duodenogastric reflux is accompanied by symptoms such as belching, bitterness or dry mouth, lack of appetite, nausea, and weakness after eating.
Duodenogastric reflux. Treatment
To determine the treatment methodology, it is necessary to find the initial, true cause of its occurrence, to undergo a series of examinations to identify the presence of peptic ulcer, gastritis, duodenitis. Treatment for reflux usually begins with the treatment of the diseases that caused it. Often, if the underlying disease is eliminated, duodenogastric reflux also disappears.
Nevertheless, there are frequent cases when the solution to this problem causes significant difficulties, especially if the root cause of the appearance of reflux is surgical intervention in the gastrointestinal tract,
In this case, the doctor should prescribe drugs that neutralize the effects of bile on the stomach and its mucous membranes, as well as medications that help accelerate the emptying of the esophagus and stomach, and increase the tone of the esophageal sphincter. For this, prokinetics are prescribed, such as metoclopramide, domperidone, for an uninterrupted short period, usually up to 3 weeks. One of the negative aspects of this treatment is the possible resumption of reflux symptoms after drug withdrawal.
The course of treatment for reflux should also include the use of proton pump inhibitors, especially for diseases that are characterized by an increased level of acidity. This group of drugs helps to neutralize the aggressive effect of hydrochloric acid on the gastric mucosa. It is worth giving preference to drugs of the latest generation, such as pantoprazole. They have a very small number of side effects and are approved for use even by pregnant women.
Another group of drugs used for duodenogastric reflux are antacids. They bile chemically, but do not affect the level of hydrochloric acid. And besides, antacids protect the gastric mucosa, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effect. These drugs are available in the form of suspensions or gels.
To date, ursodeoxycholic acid preparations are often used to treat reflux. With their help, bile acids pass into water-soluble forms. This reduces the negative effect of bile on the mucous membranes. Usually, the drug is prescribed twice a day.
In general, a course lasting at least two months is required to treat duodenogastric reflux. The full effect of treatment can be achieved only with a sufficiently long intake of drugs.