By Phil Hariram
1. Acid reflux is common and increasing in the developed world.
A Gollop Poll in USA reported that 44% had symptoms on a monthly
basis. GERD is higher in whites and the obese. There is also a higher
prevalence in people aged 60-70 years. It is rare in blacks. It
is also lower in Eastern countries. In India it is 7.5%, Malaysia
3% and China 0.8%. It is suggested that this incidence will increase
as these countries introduce Western diet higher in fats.
2. Lifestyle change is an important aspect of treatment of acid
reflux. Some patients show marked improvement after losing only
a small amount of weight.
Obesity increases abdominal pressure and affects the lower esophageal
sphincter (LES). Large meals distend the stomach and adds pressure
on the LES. Certain foods affect the sphincter. Avoid or consume
in moderation, food such as fats, coffee and alcohol.
3. Antacids neutralize acids in the stomach. This reaction raises
the pH and is likely to relieve heartburn or other symptoms of reflux.
Trials, however, show that antacids will not heal esophagitis.
The antacids commonly used are magnesium hydroxide, magnesium
trisilicate and aluminium hydroxide.
4. Acid Suppressant drugs should be used if lifestyle changes
and antacids are ineffective. The first group introduced are the
H2-receptor antagonists such as ranitidine. Side effects from this
groups of drugs are rare.
The newer proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole and lansaprazole
are more effective than H2-receptor antagonists. They are safe and
long term use has shown no ill effects. They are so effective that
most GERD patients that were unresponsive to ranitidine were effectively
treated with omeprazole.
5. A complication of GERD is bleeding from esophigitis. This
can lead to anaemia especially in children. Stricture is a distressing
complication. It can cause pain and difficulty on swallowing. Barrett's
esophagus, experts think, develop after damage to the mucosal lining
by acid reflux.
6. Most infants reflux, and conservative measures such as thickened
feeds help. Reflux generally subside before the end of the first
year. In the past Barrett's esophagus was thought to be confined
to adults but with the introduction of smaller fibreoptic endoscopes,
more biopsies are done and Barrett's esophagus are being diagnosed
in children.
7. Surgery for acid reflux is very uncommon since the advent
of effective acid suppressant medical treatment. Today stricures
are not common and there are only a rare few that do not respond
to omeprazole as acid reflux treatment.
The commonest procedure is Nissen Fundoplication. Today laparoscopic
fundoplication is popular.
8. Smoking makes acid reflux symptoms worse, especially in children.
Nicotine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter allowing acidic
stomach contents to reflux up into the esophagus. In addition deposited
nicotine in the back of the throat when swallowed is corrosive to
the esophageal lining. Stop smoking if you have acid reflux.
9. Raising the head of the bed is an effective acid reflux treatment.
It is useful for nocturnal acid reflux symptoms and reduces sensitization
that results in problems during the day. Tests have shown that adding
additional pillows is ineffective.
10. Do not ignore your symptoms. Lifestyle changes may be all
that is necessary to control your symptoms but if, in addition to
over the counter medications ,your symptoms persist see your family
doctor. If you have GERD, complications can be severe and the symptoms
very distressing.