What are the symptoms of reflux? Erosive reflux esophagitis: the most important symptoms and how to cure it. When is surgery needed?

It is known that a disease such as erosive reflux esophagitis is characterized by the presence of small areas on the lining of the esophagus that have undergone pathological changes. This is a complicated form of esophagitis, in which the symptoms of the disease worsen and bring severe discomfort to the patient. Symptoms worsen after eating and taking pharmaceutical drugs, such as salicylates.

The eroded areas become very thin, causing the esophagus to lose its ability to function fully. In the absence of treatment and compliance with dietary recommendations, there is a possible risk of developing an ulcerative form of the disease.

Course of the disease

This is a rather rare type of disease that occurs if the pathology exists for a long time and is not subject to any therapeutic effects. In this case, the superficial form of the disease, which is characterized by slight hyperemia and swelling, due to continuous exposure aggressive environment gradually transforms into erosive, while the esophageal mucosa changes its structure.

Prolonged exposure to gastric juice when it is expelled from the stomach leads to thinning of the walls of the esophagus and damage to the deeper (muscular and submucosal) layers. The walls are covered with fibrinous plaque. An erosive-ulcerative defect in the lining of the esophagus is formed.

The course of the disease is characterized by several successive stages of development, as the erosive lesion progresses:

Erosive reflux esophagitis of the 1st degree is manifested by focal non-merging erosions and erythema of the lower part of the esophagus.
The second degree is characterized by erosive areas, which do not occupy the entire area of the mucosa.
Esophagitis of the 3rd degree has the form of ulcerative defects of the distal organ, which are confluent in nature and cover the entire surface of the lining of the esophagus.
Grade 4 erosive esophagitis is an esophageal ulcer with stenosis.

Classification of reflux esophagitis according to the severity of the disease, taking into account the condition of the organ and symptoms, makes it possible to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine treatment tactics.

Symptoms of the disease

Characteristic signs of the disease are pain in the chest, which can radiate to the heart and shoulder. This symptom is sometimes quite difficult to differentiate from heart pain due to angina pectoris.

In addition, signs of erosive reflux esophagitis are:

belching;
constant heartburn;
unpleasant taste in the mouth;
nausea;
night cough;
cutting pain when swallowing;
obsessive hiccups.

The sensations tend to intensify in a horizontal position, especially immediately after eating. When the patient sits down, his health improves slightly.

Diagnostics

To determine the condition of the mucous membrane and the level of acidity of the esophagus, as well as disturbances in the functioning of the valve and the presence of a diaphragmatic hernia, use modern methods research. The erosive form of the disease requires the following diagnosis:

esophagoscopy (the method makes it possible to determine areas of hyperemia and hemorrhage, tissue swelling, erosive defects).
X-ray of the esophagus helps diagnose a hiatal hernia and detect gastric reflux using a radiocontrast agent.
Daily pH-metry of the esophagus, which is a measurement of the acidity of the esophagus using a probe, is recognized as a highly informative method. The method allows you to record the duration, frequency and intensity of reflux.
Esophagography is an additional diagnostic method and is performed in conjunction with esophagoscopy. Allows you to determine uneven contours and hypertrophy of mucosal folds. The method is completely safe and can be used repeatedly.
stool analysis for hidden hemorrhage.
general blood analysis.

Therapy depends on the severity of the pathology and general diseases. In the first degree of reflux esophagitis, it is enough to follow a dietary diet, the second is effectively treated with medications, and in the last stages, pharmacotherapy may not produce results, and the disease requires surgical intervention.

Treatment of acute form

If the cause of esophagitis is a chemical burn of the mucous membrane, then treatment of such a disease should begin with urgent gastric lavage in order to immediately rid the organ of the aggressive substance. During treatment of an acute form of reflux esophagitis, the patient should refrain from eating on the first day of the disease. Further treatment involves taking PPIs or histamine H2 receptor blockers to reduce gastric secretory activity.

A severe course of the disease includes the most gentle diet or parenteral administration of saline solutions for the purpose of detoxification and maintaining the patient’s vital functions. To suppress the bacterial flora, antibiotic therapy and gel antacids are necessary.

In case of ulcerative reflux esophagitis, which is accompanied by severe pain, it is necessary to administer myotropic antispasmodics (No-shpa, Papaverine, Drotaverine) and painkillers. In this case, gastric lavage is contraindicated. If an erosive necrotic lesion cannot be treated, then surgical sanitation of the mucosal area should be performed. Also, indications for surgical treatment of erosive reflux esophagitis are strictures of the esophagus, if bougienage or balloon dilatation does not produce results.

Treatment of the chronic form

Treatment of chronic esophagitis involves eliminating the factors that cause it. The main components of disease therapy are measures such as changing the diet, menu composition, excluding bad habits. The diet involves eating crushed food with a mushy consistency, the temperature of which should be between 35–37 degrees.

The patient should avoid taking pharmacological agents that affect the tone of the esophageal sphincter (prostaglandins, theophylline, tranquilizers and sedatives).

Drug therapy consists of the following drugs:

proton pump inhibitors;
myotropic antispasmodics;
gel antacids with anesthetic components;
prokinetics;
antibacterial drugs (if necessary);
H2 histamine receptor blockers.

Physiotherapeutic measures that complement drug treatment:

electrophoresis;
amplipulse therapy;
balneotherapy;
mud therapy.

Physiotherapeutic procedures are not recommended for grade 3–4 reflux esophagitis. In this case, surgical treatment is indicated, which consists of dilatation or bougienage, as well as endoscopic dissection of the strictures. If necessary, surgical plastic surgery and resection of the esophagus are used.

Diet food

This disease can be treated only with unconditional compliance dietary nutrition, including easily digestible food with a semi-liquid consistency. You should completely avoid foods that irritate the inner lining of the esophagus and stomach in order to help eliminate the inflammatory process and prevent the release of gastric juice.

The patient's diet must meet the following conditions:

Porridges, meat soufflés and vegetable purees, pureed soups are recommended. During treatment, fresh fruits and vegetables are excluded so that the coarse fiber they contain does not irritate the surface of the diseased esophagus.
Food should be home-cooked; canned food, semi-finished products, instant foods, spicy and hot dishes, marinades and pickles are excluded.
Confectionery and flour products, coffee and carbonated drinks are contraindicated.
Food should be steamed or boiled, stewed without adding fat. Fried and baked foods are prohibited.
The consistency of the food should be semi-liquid so as not to injure the inflamed mucous membrane of the esophagus.
Dinner should be done long before going to bed; after eating, you should not take a horizontal position, lift heavy objects or bend over. It is advisable to sleep with a raised headboard. In addition, you should not wear tight clothing that puts pressure on your stomach and chest.

Unconventional methods

Herbal medicine involves the use of herbal decoctions and infusions that promote the regeneration of damaged tissues of the esophagus, improve the tone of the sphincter muscles, and have an anti-inflammatory effect.

The most suitable herbs for preparing decoctions (0.030–0.500) are:

motherwort;
chamomile;
plantain;
Melissa;
flax seed;
liquorice root.

Before using herbal medicine, you should discuss it with your doctor, who will confirm the absence of contraindications and prescribe safe doses of herbal infusions. Erosive reflux esophagitis is a serious form of the disease, in which the doctor can very rarely recommend treatment with herbal decoctions in order to avoid bleeding and deterioration of the patient’s condition.

Erosive reflux esophagitis is a complicated course of the disease, characterized by the reflux of stomach contents back into the esophagus. It is often localized in the distal part, i.e., in the lower part of the esophagus, and is characterized by the occurrence of ulcers (erosions) on the mucous membrane. With this form of the disease, all the usual symptoms appear more clearly and cause significant discomfort to the person.

The main reasons for the formation of ulcers of various sizes are sliding hiatal hernia, ulcerative gastric stenosis, short esophagus, severe vomiting, as well as complications after surgery on the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of such a disorder are considered to be a violation of the process of swallowing food, and depending on the stage of the disease, it can be expressed from a constant feeling of a lump in the throat to complete obstruction of solid or liquid food. Other signs include constant pain, heartburn and belching with an unpleasant odor of recently consumed food.

Diagnosis of the erosive type of disease is based on the study of the medical history and examination of the patient. The final diagnosis is established on the basis of laboratory tests and instrumental examinations, consisting of radiography, ultrasound, and biopsy. Treatment is complex and consists of prescribing medications, following a strict diet, and using folk remedies. Surgical intervention is sought when the disease is severe.

Etiology

The main factor in the development of such a pathology is the constant reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, which over time contributes to the formation of single or multiple erosions on the mucous membrane. Predisposing reasons for the occurrence of such a disorder are:

ulcerative neoplasms of the stomach and duodenum;
the presence of a hiatal hernia in the diaphragm;
mechanical damage to the esophagus, for example, when inserting a probe during diagnostics, or for the purpose of feeding seriously ill patients;
unhealthy diet – addiction to excessively fatty and spicy foods;
leading an unhealthy lifestyle - abuse of nicotine, alcoholic beverages or drugs;
accidental or intentional entry into the esophagus chemical substances;
acute course of infectious processes in the gastrointestinal tract;
a complication after medical intervention directly on the esophagus or other organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

Varieties

Medicine knows several classifications of erosive reflux esophagitis, depending on the stage and nature of the course. Thus, there are several forms of the disease:

acute form– the most common expression of erosive disease. It consists of superficial or deep damage to the mucous membrane. Symptoms of the disease appear suddenly and are clearly expressed. With effective treatment tactics, it is eliminated quite quickly, without complications;
chronic form– occurs quite often and is characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission. Due to the fact that the disorder has developed over a long period of time, it can become a predisposing factor in the formation of irreversible complications. Chronic erosive esophagitis involves the course of the disease over six months;
ulcerative form– a pathological form in which erosion affects the deeper layers of the mucous membrane of the esophagus. Ulcerative esophagitis requires long and complex therapy;
peptic form– the development of the disease occurs due to the penetration of gastric juice into the esophagus;
catarrhal form– damage to the upper layers of the mucosa is noted.

Depending on which department the disease affects, there are several types of erosive reflux esophagitis:

total– damage to the entire esophagus is observed;
proximal– localization of the pathological process is observed in the upper section;
distal– the disease affects only the lower part of the esophagus, near its junction with the stomach. This is the most common type of illness that is diagnosed in patients.

In addition, such a disorder is divided as the ulcerative lesion spreads. There are several stages of erosive reflux esophagitis:

first stage– single erosions, no more than five millimeters in size, begin to appear on the lining of the esophagus;
second stage– erosions can merge with each other, but the pathology does not penetrate into the deep layers of the mucosa;
third stage- at this stage inflammatory process spreads to the entire mucous membrane. Erosion larger than five millimeters can merge with each other, forming ulcers;
fourth stage– characterized by the presence of chronic ulcers of the distal esophagus and the developing narrowing of its lumen.

Regardless of the type and stage of the disease, it is necessary to begin comprehensive treatment as early as possible.

Symptoms

Experts identify several characteristic signs of the disease, the presence of which has diagnostic value. Erosive reflux esophagitis is expressed by the following symptoms:

difficult process of passing food - to early stages the illness can be expressed by the sensation of a lump or foreign object in the throat; in later cases, there is obstruction of solid food and difficulty passing liquids;
belching with a sour smell and a feeling of aftertaste of recently consumed foods;
constant heartburn - the intensity of which may increase during or after eating, performing physical activity, or even when bending the body forward;
pain in the chest area - worsens at night or during physical activity, as well as in a horizontal position of the body.

Other symptoms include slight increases in body temperature, weakness and attacks of dizziness.

Complications

If symptoms are ignored or treatment is not started in a timely manner, a number of serious complications may develop, including:

penetration of ulcers into the deeper layers of the mucous membrane and tissue of the esophagus;
severe narrowing of the lumen of the distal section;
the occurrence of hemorrhages;
entry of gastric juice into the pharynx or larynx;
changes in the structure of mucosal cells;
oncology, .

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of “erosive reflux esophagitis” is established based on studying the patient’s medical history, identifying the possible causes of the formation of such a disorder, as well as the presence and intensity of signs of the disease. These factors will help the specialist determine the stage of the disease.

Laboratory diagnostic methods include conducting a general and biochemical blood test to detect concomitant pathologies. Examination of stool is necessary to confirm or deny the presence of internal bleeding.

Instrumental diagnostic procedures include:

manometry – aimed at assessing contractile activity and synchrony of esophageal peristalsis;
measuring the acidity level of the distal section;
endoscopic examination of the inner surface of the esophagus and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. The examination involves a biopsy - taking a small piece of mucous membrane for subsequent histological studies;
X-rays using a contrast agent;
breath tests - to determine the presence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori;
Ultrasound, MRI and CT are performed to detect changes in the esophagus and concomitant gastrointestinal diseases.

After receiving all the results of tests and examinations of the patient, the specialist prescribes an individual treatment regimen.

Treatment

After confirming the diagnosis of erosive reflux esophagitis, absolutely all patients are prescribed complex therapy, which includes:

use of medications;
compliance special diet;
use of traditional medicine;
surgical intervention.

Drug treatment consists of the use of certain groups of medications aimed at healing erosions, protecting the mucous membrane, normalizing the tone of the lower sphincter muscles and reducing acidity. Such substances include antacids, alginates, PPIs, and in some cases the use of antibiotics is indicated. In addition, medications are prescribed that eliminate the general symptoms of erosive lesions of the mucous membrane and increase the level of immune system. The choice of drug and the duration of the course of its use is determined by the attending physician individually for each patient.

Diet therapy involves eating large amounts of foods containing fiber. This could be potatoes, pasta, cereals, bran bread. You should also completely avoid eating fatty and fried foods, smoked foods, salts and marinades, hot seasonings and mayonnaise. You need to eat small meals six times a day, the last meal should be three hours before bedtime.

Surgical operations are resorted to extremely rarely, often when other treatment methods are ineffective or in the presence of complications.

Prevention

In order to avoid problems with the formation of erosive reflux esophagitis, you must adhere to simple rules:

lead healthy image life;
maintain proper nutrition;
promptly treat diseases that may cause illness;
undergo regular preventive examinations with a gastroenterologist.

Similar materials

Reflux esophagitis is a chronic disorder characterized by the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, which is accompanied by irritation of its walls. The peculiarity of the disease is that it is expressed by mild symptoms, so the diagnosis of the disease often occurs when completely different disorders are detected, for example, peptic ulcer or gastritis. This is often the case pathological condition is one of the signs of a hiatal hernia.

Treatment of reflux esophagitis, like any other ailment of the digestive system, necessarily includes adherence to a special diet. Its main task is to reduce the intensity of symptoms during exacerbation of pathology, and to prevent the development of relapses in the future. In addition, proper and gentle nutrition helps protect the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach from the aggressive effects of irritants. Sample menu for each day (or week) should be compiled by a qualified nutritionist together with a gastroenterologist. It is important to consume exactly those foods that the doctor allows. In addition to prescribing a diet for reflux esophagitis or gastritis, a nutritionist can also recommend some recipes for preparing tasty and healthy dishes.

The mucous membrane of the esophagus has no protection from these aggressive substances, so contact with them causes damage to the epithelium, inflammation and causes pain. One of the main causes of reflux esophagitis is a hiatal hernia. With this disease, part of the stomach is displaced into the chest cavity through the enlarged esophageal opening of the diaphragm.

Causes of reflux esophagitis

The diaphragm is the muscular partition between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. For the passage of various organs from one cavity to another, there are special openings in the diaphragm (including the esophageal opening).

In case of thinning or underdevelopment muscle tissue in combination with increased intra-abdominal pressure, organ displacement may occur abdominal cavity into the chest. This is how the esophageal opening of the diaphragm develops.

A slight displacement of the inlet and the top of the stomach is called a sliding hernia. The incidence of such hernias increases with age in people over 50 years of age; it reaches 60%. As a rule, the only manifestation of a sliding hiatal hernia is gastroesophageal reflux, ultimately leading to reflux esophagitis.

Symptoms of reflux esophagitis

The main symptom of reflux esophagitis is. It can be observed both during the day and at night, can intensify immediately after eating and taking a horizontal position of the body in space, and be accompanied by belching and hiccups.

Some patients experience pain reminiscent of heart pain. At the same time, reflux esophagitis can occur without heartburn and chest pain, but manifest itself as a swallowing disorder. As a rule, swallowing disorders are associated with the transition of the disease to a more severe stage with the development of cicatricial narrowing of the esophagus.

Diagnosis of reflux esophagitis

If a hiatal hernia is suspected, the following tests are performed:

X-ray examination of the esophagus with a barium suspension (the study is carried out on an empty stomach, a series of X-ray images are taken immediately after the patient swallows the contrast mixture; spontaneous reflux from the stomach into the esophagus indicates severe reflux);
esophagoscopy (endoscopic examination of the esophagus);
biopsy (taking a small section of the esophageal mucosa for histological examination; performed during esophagoscopy);
esophageal pH-metry (measurement of acidity in the lumen of the esophagus and stomach; the contents of the esophagus will be acidic due to the reflux of acidic contents from the stomach).

In some cases, the doctor may prescribe additional research methods and special tests. If a patient complains of chest pain, the patient is referred for examination to a cardiologist to rule out ischemic pain.

Complications

The most dangerous complications of reflux esophagitis are esophageal ulcers and cicatricial narrowing of the esophagus (stricture). A long course of esophagitis can contribute to the malignant degeneration of mucosal cells and the development of cancer. The most dangerous complication of a hiatal hernia is strangulation. Infringement should be suspected when sharp pain in the chest appears in combination with difficulty swallowing.

What can you do

To reduce gastroesophageal reflux, you should lose weight, sleep on a bed with the head end raised 10-15 cm, and try to maintain a time interval between eating and sleeping. You should give up smoking, eating fatty foods and chocolate, coffee, alcoholic drinks, orange juice, and the habit of drinking plenty of liquid with your meals.

Compliance with the above rules in combination with drug therapy in most cases reduces the frequency of gastroesophageal reflux and protects the esophageal mucosa from harmful effects.

How can a doctor help?

Treatment usually begins with drug therapy. Its main directions are reducing the acidity of gastric juice, protecting the esophageal mucosa from harmful influences, increasing the contractile activity of the lower esophageal sphincter and increasing the rate of esophageal emptying. Histamine H2 receptor blockers (famotidine), proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole), prokinetics (domperidone), antacids, etc. are used.

Surgical intervention may be required in complicated forms and failure of drug therapy.

Dysfunctions in the digestive tract are often accompanied by reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Erosive reflux esophagitis in its advanced form leads to ulcerative lesions, narrowing of the esophageal lumen and tumor formation. Esophagitis should be treated with medications, herbal medicine, and diet. Sometimes only surgery can help.

Etiology and pathogenesis

Inflammation of the walls of the esophagus with areas of deformation occurs as a result of frequent episodes of reflux of acidic stomach contents. A healthy person does not experience cases of reflux. This is possible due to the good contractility of the sphincters at the border with the stomach, the neutralization of the acid of digestive juices by the cells of the walls of the esophagus, and the integrity of the organ’s integument. If any protective link malfunctions, the esophagus begins to be regularly irritated by acid and enzymes, and hyperemia and swelling of the tissues of the lower third of the organ occurs. The walls of the esophagus become thinner, and the lesion deepens and spreads. Scars appear, erosion forms, which gradually develops into an ulcer. List of causes of reflux esophagitis:

inflammation, ulcers and cancer of the stomach;
pancreatitis;
cholecystitis;
narrow gastric pylorus;
diaphragmatic hernia;
consequence of gastric surgery;
power supply errors;
long-term medication courses;
excessive drinking and smoking;
pregnancy period;
nervous tension;
overload of the abdominal muscles;
wearing tight clothes;
excess weight.

What symptoms indicate esophagitis?

Often pathology makes itself felt after overeating.

The intensity of clinical manifestations depends on the degree of damage to the walls of the esophagus; hidden forms of the disease also occur. With erosive reflux esophagitis, the symptoms are vivid. Symptoms are often triggered by taking medications, carbonated drinks, overeating, lying down or bending, and physical exercise immediately after eating. There are two types of symptoms:

If a process of replacement of epithelial cells is detected - Barrett's esophagus - it is necessary to undergo an annual endoscopy with a biopsy of organ tissue.

Diagnosis of pathology

The complex of diagnostic procedures includes ph-metry of the esophagus.

If you experience a burning sensation in the esophagus and other symptoms of digestive dysfunction, you should consult a gastroenterologist. The symptoms of the erosive form of the disease are sufficiently pronounced to suspect reflux esophagitis. After a survey and examination, the doctor will prescribe laboratory test blood and feces for hemorrhage. Instrumental examination methods will help confirm the accuracy of the diagnosis:

Esophagoscopy will allow you to examine the mucous membrane of the esophagus and determine the presence of hemorrhages, edema, and localization of erosions.
Endoscopy with the introduction of dyes.
X-ray with barium contrast.
pH-metry of the esophagus measures the daily acidity of the organ environment.

Treatment methods

Erosive pathology of the esophagus is treated on an outpatient basis without complications. The complex of conservative therapy measures includes medications, physiotherapy, herbal remedies, and lifestyle correction. Strict diet for erosive esophagitis is one of the main therapeutic measures. In advanced cases of esophageal erosion, hospitalization and surgery are necessary.

Medication therapy

To prevent food from stagnating in the stomach, the patient can take Cerucal.

Based on the examination results, the doctor prescribes a course of pharmacological agents. Drug therapy usually lasts a long time, about 8-12 weeks. After completion of the course, maintenance treatment is indicated for 6-12 months. Medicines are aimed at reducing gastric secretion, neutralizing acid and protecting the mucous layer of the esophagus, accelerating the evacuation of food from the stomach. The following means are shown for this:

Surgery

If after six months conservative treatment manifestations of reflux esophagitis continue to bother the patient, frequent relapses, bleeding and transformation of esophageal cells are observed, surgery is necessary. It is possible to perform surgical procedures using an endoscope. Practiced like open operations, and laparoscopy through small punctures of the abdominal wall. During surgery, the diaphragmatic opening is sutured, and a cuff is formed from gastric tissue, which is sutured to the diaphragm at the point of contact with the esophagus.

— the disease is not simple, so patients need to be attentive to the appearance of symptoms of this disease and be sure to undergo examination by a specialist.

Only complex therapy will help get rid of reflux esophagitis, so it will be useful for every person who suffers from this disease to know how this disease should be properly treated with the help of a competent doctor.

So let's get started.

Is it possible to cure reflux esophagitis forever? It is possible if you contact a competent doctor and get modern treatment.

Doctors identify several effective and efficient treatment regimens for reflux esophagitis. All of them are selected strictly individually for each patient after receiving the examination results.

Single drug therapy. This does not take into account the degree of soft tissue damage, as well as complications. This is the least effective treatment regimen for patients and can cause deterioration in health.
Enhancement therapy. Doctors prescribe different medications to patients, differing in the degree of aggressiveness. Patients need to strictly follow a diet and take antacid medications.
Taking strong proton pump blockers. When symptoms begin to disappear, patients are prescribed prokinetics. This treatment regimen is suitable for patients diagnosed with severe reflux esophagitis.

Reflux esophagitis: treatment regimen

The classic treatment regimen for the disease is divided into 4 stages:

First degree reflux esophagitis. Patients must take antacids and prokinetics for a long time ().
2nd degree of inflammatory process. Patients must adhere to proper nutrition and take blockers. The latter help normalize acidity levels.
3rd degree of severe inflammatory process. Patients are prescribed the use of receptor blockers, inhibitors and prokinetics.
The last degree of reflux esophagitis is accompanied by pronounced clinical manifestations. Treatment with medications will not bring a positive result, so patients undergo surgery in combination with a course of maintenance therapy.

How to cure reflux esophagitis forever? The duration of therapy depends on the degree of damage to the gastrointestinal tract. The initial stage of reflux esophagitis can be cured with proper and balanced nutrition. The course of therapy is calculated for each patient individually.

How to treat reflux esophagitis

If the process of food digestion is disrupted, then the contents of the stomach, when left in it for a long time, cause an inflammatory process and irritation of the walls.

Patients feel heaviness in the intestines, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, nausea and bitterness in the mouth. After eating, the pain becomes severe and becomes acute.

There are several effective methods of treating reflux esophagitis, which are prescribed only by the attending physician after diagnosis and examination of the patient’s medical history.

Note! Vitamins for reflux esophagitis are not always prescribed: the need for this is determined by the doctor when selecting therapy, when he decides what to take for reflux esophagitis.

Drug treatment

How to get rid of reflux esophagitis? Depending on the form of the disease, doctors prescribe patients to take proton pump blockers or H2-histamine receptor inhibitors. The first group of drugs helps normalize the functioning of the gastric glands and mucous membrane digestive system. These medications are prescribed to patients for additional protection of the walls of the esophagus, duodenum and stomach.

At correct use blockers, damaged areas of the mucous membrane begin to recover faster. Medicines are taken for a long time, and if the patient is diagnosed with a severe form of reflux esophagitis, then they are prescribed a double dosage for initial stage treatment.

The most effective medications include:

Features of antacids

These substances help to quickly and effectively cope with the symptoms of heartburn. After using antacids, their main components begin to act on the body after 15 minutes. The main goal of this therapy is to reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid, which causes burning and pain in the chest.

Most effective medicines are:

Rennie;
Maalox;
Gastal;
Phosphalugel;
and others.

Alginates

Gaviscon is an effective and safe alginate of a new generation. After taking this remedy, hydrochloric acid is neutralized, an additional layer is formed to protect the stomach and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is normalized.

Prokinetics

The main task of prokinetics is to improve the motor function of the stomach, muscles and upper parts of the small intestine. Doctors recommend their patients to use Metoclopramide And Domeridon. These medications will reduce the duration of contact of the esophagus with hydrochloric acid.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

Amplipulse therapy has been used for a long time to treat reflux esophagitis.

The procedure is carried out in a physiotherapy room and is aimed at removing pain, eliminating foci of inflammation, improving gastric motility and blood circulation.

If the patient has severe sharp pain, then perform electrophoresis with ganglion-blocking agents. Microwave therapy is indicated for patients who, along with reflux esophagitis, have been diagnosed with pathological disorders in the liver, gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Also, the most effective methods of physiotherapeutic treatment include: applications with sulfide silt mud and electrosleep.

Medical nutrition and diet

It is important for patients to reconsider their diet and diet. Food should be boiled, steamed or stewed with a minimum amount of oil. An important condition is split meals in small portions. Patients are prohibited from lying down immediately after eating. Following this rule helps reduce the intensity and number of attacks at night.

Important! It is unacceptable to eat smoked, fried and salted foods. Are prohibited alcoholic drinks, sparkling water, chocolates, citrus fruits, tea, coffee, garlic, tomatoes and onions.

Patients should not overeat, because when the stomach is full, the reflux of contents into the esophagus increases.

You can find out more about what therapeutic nutrition should be like for this disease.

Surgery for reflux esophagitis

Surgical treatment of reflux esophagitis is carried out in the case when drug therapy has not brought a positive result. The main goal of surgical intervention is to completely stop the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Before the operation, patients undergo a full comprehensive examination, and only after that a fundoplication is performed.

Access to the stomach can be open or laparoscopic. During surgery, the bottom of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus to create a cuff. The least traumatic method of performing the operation is laparoscopic, which has minimal amount complications.

Treatment with folk remedies

Maybe only after consultation with your doctor. Collections of herbal components can only be used for initial stage development of the disease.

Aloe juice is effective means, which envelops the esophageal mucosa, reduces the inflammatory process and contact with food.

A decoction of flax seeds acts on the body similarly to antacids. After taking this medicine, the level of acidity in the stomach decreases, the esophagus is coated and protected.

Breathing exercises for reflux esophagitis

The main feature of this treatment is breathing correctly. This technique can be used independently or used in combination with physical exercise.

Breathing exercises for reflux esophagitis are performed according to the following scheme:

Patients take a comfortable position - sitting or standing. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. A person needs to use the abdominal muscles. The optimal number of such approaches is 4 times.
A calm breath is taken and a quick exhalation is done using the abdominal muscles (up to 10 approaches).
Patients take a deep breath, hold their breath, and tightly squeeze their abdominal muscles. You must make every effort and pause for up to five seconds. After this, a calm exhalation is done.

During breathing exercises it is necessary to take pauses because some patients begin to feel dizzy. It is important to take your time and do the exercises consistently. As long as reflux esophagitis is treated, it is recommended to perform these exercises for as long as possible, and in most cases even longer to ensure the sustainability of the results.

Gymnastics

You can select following features gymnastic exercises for reflux esophagitis:

Gymnastics does not help patients get rid of painful heartburn. During exercise, the healing process is accelerated, periods of exacerbation and the number of spasms are reduced.
Each patient will be able to choose the optimal set of gymnastic exercises that will provide real help.
Classes do not belong to the main method of treatment, so they must be combined with drug therapy.

Yoga for reflux esophagitis

Patients who have been diagnosed with reflux esophagitis can practice yoga. Such exercises bring great benefits to the body and internal organs. Static poses or asanas will allow you to fully activate the functioning of the circulatory system, as well as strengthen muscle mass bodies.

You can combine static poses with slow movements of the limbs, which will help improve blood circulation in the muscles and internal organs. This unique technique provides patients with the most effective therapeutic effect.

During yoga classes, all respiratory centers are activated, the saturation of the body with useful oxygen increases, metabolism accelerates, the functioning of internal organs improves, and absolutely all muscle groups are worked out.

Should you sleep on your left side with GERD or not?

Scientists who have studied the physiological characteristics of the body claim that with reflux esophagitis it is best to sleep on the right side.

This will minimize pressure on the stomach, intestines and liver.

To prevent the reflux of food from the stomach into the esophagus at night in patients It is recommended to sleep on a high pillow.

Treatment regimen for different types of reflux esophagitis

There are several important treatment rules different forms diseases that may differ from each other. How long does it take to treat reflux esophagitis depending on this?

Treatment of reflux esophagitis with low acidity

As a primary treatment, patients are prescribed stomach acid tablets with meals. This drug therapy helps food move faster into the intestines.

It is important to remember that you should not overdo it with taking pills and take them without a doctor’s prescription, because such an attitude towards your own health can lead to a deterioration in your overall well-being. This is because the acidic contents of the stomach will not be neutralized by the available bicarbonate.

With this form of the disease, it is important for patients to adhere to a strict diet to prevent further progression of the disease and serious complications.

Treatment of reflux esophagitis during pregnancy

Pregnant girls need to take care to prevent constipation and follow strict diet, eat in small portions and do not overeat. Fried foods, chocolate, red pepper and spicy foods are excluded from the diet. As drug therapy, antacids are prescribed, which are not absorbed into the blood and envelop the stomach. Surgical treatment is not performed during pregnancy.

Distal reflux esophagitis: treatment

Occurs as a result of inflammation of the esophagus after the penetration of viral and bacterial infections. For bacterial pathology, patients are prescribed antibacterial drugs.

Only a doctor can select treatment after diagnosing patients, who takes into account the body’s sensitivity to antibiotics medicines. In combination, patients are prescribed immunostimulating substances and antiviral drugs.

Reflux esophagitis is a serious disease that requires urgent treatment and therapy. Patients are prohibited from self-medicating and purchasing medications without a doctor's prescription.