The current working society makes people more stressed than ever. With higher competition and more workload. Many people relieve stress by eating delicious food. Especially sweet and fatty foods. Some people don’t even have time to eat because they get home very late. So they have to eat quickly and go to bed immediately. At first, they can do it without any problems. But after a while, they feel a burning sensation and tightness in their chest, or sometimes they feel like vomiting. which may be a sign of risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease a condition where stomach secretions flow back into the esophagus. If left untreated for a long time. It can lead to esophageal cancer.
Today, Dr. Kunlathep Rattanakovit, a specialist in gastroenterology and liver disease, neurology, Gastroenterology and Liver Center, Vimut Hospital, will answer questions about acid reflux disease and tell you how to treat and treat acid reflux disease. So that working people like us can stay away from this disease.
What is “acid reflux”?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the reflux of stomach contents back into the esophagus. It can be divided into two main types: GERD that occurs inside the esophagus. Which is the most common type and causes a burning sensation. A feeling of food flowing back up, and chest tightness. The other type is extraesophageal reflux. Which occurs in a minority of people and causes chronic coughing, tooth enamel problems, nocturnal asthma, or laryngitis. In addition, there is a สมัคร ufabet group of people with overactive esophagus. Which causes the same symptoms.
What kind of behavior puts you at risk of “acid reflux disease”?
Acid reflux is often caused by daily behaviors, such as eating and immediately lying down, because during digestion, food is only in the upper part of the stomach before going down to the lower part of the stomach. When digestion is complete. When we lie down. It may be easier for food in the upper part of the stomach to pass through the sphincter and into the esophagus. The next factor is stress , which changes the movement in the digestive tract, which changes the digestion process. Causing acid and food to be pushed back up. The last factor is being overweight, because excess weight increases the pressure on the stomach, making it easier for acid or food to flow back up. Dr. Kunthep Rattanakowit continued, “Any age can have acid reflux.
But the group that often experiences it is between the ages of 17 and 40. Especially working people who are stressed every day or who often eat late and immediately go to bed. If left untreated, in the long run, it will cause inflammation of the esophagus or ulcers. This then may cause cancer cells. Which eventually leads to esophageal cancer. Especially people who have just had acid reflux in their 50s and 60s must take special care because they may be at higher risk of esophageal cancer than other groups of people.”
“Acid reflux disease” if not treated properly, there is a high risk of recurrence !
Acid reflux is not a chronic disease and can be completely cured. However, up to 60% of people with acid reflux can have it recur if they do not receive proper treatment. Therefore, anyone who has symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn, chest tightness, or regurgitation, is advised to see a doctor for a screening to ensure proper treatment. The examination and treatment will begin with an assessment of daily behavior to plan for patients to change their behavior initially. Dr. Kunthep Rattanakowit continued.
If the symptoms do not improve, the doctor will use an endoscopy and an esophageal pH test to measure what is refluxing into the esophagus to determine its acidity or alkalinity. This will allow for a more targeted treatment plan for each individual. Once the details are known, the doctor will consider providing treatment by prescribing medications that are appropriate for the type of cause. Such as acid reflux, bile or alkaline reflux, or the esophagus being overly sensitive to stimuli. In some cases, surgery may be required.”
“Nowadays, people are more stressed, especially working-age people who are stressed about their jobs to the point of having acid reflux. Although acid reflux is not life-threatening, it can worsen your quality of life and in the long run, it can lead to complications. Therefore, we recommend that you prevent it from the beginning. Find activities to relieve stress, avoid foods that are high in acid such as spicy dishes, sour fruits, carbonated drinks, or foods that are high in fat such as fried foods, and try not to eat and then go to bed immediately.
This will help prevent acid reflux. For those who have it. We recommend that you see a doctor for a detailed examination and proper treatment. We understand that work is an important thing that requires dedication, but your body is just as important. Don’t forget to set aside time to take good care of yourself so that your body is strong and ready to go back to work to the fullest,” Dr. Kultep Rattanakowit concluded.