According to the Turkish Gastroenterology Association, reflux is a disease that affect one out of four people in our our country, depending on the region. Reflux is most common in the Marmara region, at a rate of 30 percent.
Reflux, which is one of the most complained diseases in the society, is the problem of almost everyone. Reflux becomes chronic as many people cannot give up carbonated drinks, fatty foods, abundant tea and coffee consumption.
This disease, which can be prevented and treated withhealthy lifestyle changes, may bring more serious problems when neglected.
People who experience frequent acid reflux are at a slightly increased risk for esophageal cancer. Reflux, which becomes chronic and untreated, can lead to changes in the cells at the lower end of the esophagus, increasing the risk of developing cancer.
What is reflux disease?
Acid reflux is a common condition that features a burning pain, known as heartburn, in the lower chest area. It happens when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe. It can also bring about a foul or bitter taste in the mouth. Other complaints of reflux include burning in the chest and pain similar to a heart attack, indigestion, belching and cough. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time.
What is the prevalence of reflux in Turkey and global?
Reflux affects one out of five people globally and one out of four people people in Turkey.
What are the risk factors of reflux?
Obesity, increased consumption of acidic beverages, stress, unhealthy diet, drinking too much coffee, smoking and alcohol trigger reflux.
Who is at risk?
People who live in big metropolises, working late and those who adopt unhealthy eating habitsç
How to treat reflux?
Endoscopy is essential for the correct diagnosis of reflux. With the endoscopy method, it can be checked whether the person has problems such as stomach hernia, stomach cancer, ulcer and gastritis. If there is only valve functional impairment, the patient’s problems can be eliminated by drug treatment and changing of eating habits. Laparoscopic reflux surgery s recommended for patients who become drug-dependent, have diseases of the esophagus that can cause cancer and hernia.
Could it be lead to other diseases and cancer?
Barrett’s esophagus could increase the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, which is a serious, potentially fatal cancer of the esophagus. Also, difficulty in swallowing, narrowing of the esophagus and ulceration, stomach bleeding problems may occur.
Common mistakes people do to trigger reflux
- To consume acidic drinks and fast food
- Drinking too much coffee
- While stomach is full, lying down
- Filling the stomach too much
- Eating fast
- Smoking ve alcohol
- Being obese
- Wearing belt too tigh
- Eating junk food, especially at nights