$Unique_ID{BRK01186}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{Information on Esophageal Reflux}
$Subject{reflux acid heartburn}
$Volume{I-10}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Information on Esophageal Reflux


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QUESTION:  I would like some information on esophageal reflux.  I've been
diagnosed as having this and have had the problem for two years.  I do not eat
any acid or spicy food and do not drink coffee.  I have a burning sensation in
the chest and of the mouth and lips and wonder if this is due to the disease.
I would appreciate any information about treatment that you may be able to
give me.

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ANSWER:  Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers to an entire group of
digestive disorders with the symptoms you describe.  This acid backflow
(reflux) creates a burning sensation or heartburn behind the breastbone that
occurs after eating or while lying down.  This burning is caused by the acid
contents of the stomach flowing backward into the lower end of the esophagus
(the tube leading from our mouth to the stomach) where it irritates the
tissues and creates the pain.  It is difficult to state with certainty that
your lip and mouth pain are from the same cause, but it is possible.
     Initial treatment of GERD is conservative.  Since the condition involves
gastric backflow, life-style changes may be the cornerstone of good therapy.
Modifying the diet, as you are doing, to exclude foods that irritate the
mucosal tissue, like tomato or orange juice may help.  Coffee is frequently
named as a culprit as are alcohol and chocolate.  Decreasing or stopping
smoking altogether is also helpful.  Eating meals well before bedtime and
elevating the head of the bed to prevent backflow are additional good tips.
H2 antagonists such as cimetidine and ranitidine which reduce gastric acidity
are frequently used to treat these disorders.  When heartburn does strike the
use of antacids is appropriate.
     If these measures do not provide lasting relief, and when there is
serious inflammation of the esophagus leading to hemorrhage and strictures
from scarring, surgery to "tighten" the sphincter muscles of the esophagus may
be indicated.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
