Omeprazole is the most commonly used medication in the treatment of reflux disease, but should be used according to the recommendations of a doctor if necessary. Photo: Sergio Castro / AE
O gastric reflux is often considered only a symptom, but in reality it is a disease. Few people make this association and the consultation of a specialist is postponed. At the same time, self-medication and the worsening of the problem further compromise quality of life.
An investigation into the knowledge and incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Brazil, conducted by GFK and commissioned by Takeda, revealed this profile. Of the 1,773 respondents, 28% said they felt a symptom of the disease, but did not associate it with the disease.
The rate increases when the sample is concentrated among the 48% of respondents who had an indication of GERD in the last six months. Of these, 58% did not associate the symptom with the disease. In addition, 60% of Brazilians are unaware of the disease.
The doctor in clinical gastroenterology Decio Chinzon says that if it is not treated, reflux disease is more likely to become a oesophageal canceralthough the incidence is low. "It can cause inflammation of the esophagus, mild, moderate or more intense.These intense inflammations can cause a decrease in the size of the esophagus," says the doctor.
What is reflux disease?
A GERD is a chronic disease characterized by the return of some of the contents of the stomach in the esophagus. This content can also be the stomach acidwhich gives the burning sensation and can cause lesions in the tissues of the organ. In addition to the reflux itself, other symptoms stomach burns, regurgitation, chest pain, throat and cough.
The causes of gastroesophageal reflux are varied, but are based on the poor closure of a valve, called the lower esophageal sphincter, that separates the stomach from the esophagus. If this barrier does not close properly, the contents of the stomach will turn in the opposite direction. This may be due to a weakening of the muscular fibers of the sphincter, an increase in gastric secretion or an overfull stomach for a prolonged period.
"If the frequency of symptoms is weekly, if the person wakes up at night with reflux, burns, difficulty swallowing and often pain, you should see the doctor," said Chinzon.
Fatty foods are a risk for people with reflux. Photo: Unsplash / @ robinstickel
Search for gastric reflux treatment
Research has shown that a third of people who feel the nuisance do not take any action and let the crisis pass. When they do something, the first step is to take a medicine that they already have at home or natural tea. Going to the emergency or consulting a specialist is rarely the first step in the search for a treatment. When this happens, it usually occurs six days after the symptoms.
Here, it should be noted that the unified health system accounts for 60% of the sample, making it difficult to directly access a professional who only cares about cases related to the digestive system. So much so that 75% of people who consult a doctor first consult a general practitioner.
The executive Rodrigo dos Santos, 40, has been suffering from gastro-oesophageal reflux for about ten years. However, it only takes him five minutes for him to control with medication. Changing some habits to avoid episodes was another measure. But before that, he had spent a lot of time ignoring the symptoms and taking omeprazole.
SEE ALSO: Know the benefits of different types of tea
Know the benefits of different types of tea
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Nearly 30% of Brazilians can experience reflux and not know
Nearly 30% of Brazilians may have reflux and do not know X
Drinking tea for pleasure or to cure a disease is a secular habit. The active ingredients present in tea plants and herbs are medicinal plants, that is, they constitute a form of natural medical treatment. The benefits of drinking can range from fighting headaches to preventing diabetes. It is important to remember that teas should not be consumed 24 hours after their preparation and should not be reheated. That said, know what are the benefits of teas.
Photo: Reproduction / Pixabay
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Nearly 30% of Brazilians can experience reflux and not know
Nearly 30% of Brazilians may have reflux and do not know X
The teas can be prepared by infusion, maceration or decoction. According to the Practical Guide of Medicinal Plants (2015) of the Ministry of Health of Rio de Janeiro, the infusion is made with boiling water, placed on the flowers and leaves of a plant. The container is smothered for 10 to 15 minutes. Maceration involves kneading or chopping the plant, placing it directly in contact with water at room temperature or at low temperature, for 10 to 24 hours, depending on the part used. The decoction process involves boiling the plant for up to 20 minutes. After all procedures, the liquid should be tight.
Photo: Reproduction / Pixabay
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Nearly 30% of Brazilians can experience reflux and not know
Nearly 30% of Brazilians may have reflux and do not know X
<img src = "https://img.estadao.com.br/thumbs/940/resources/jpg/1/1/1476488906211.jpg” alt=”Akuppa John Wigham / Creative Commons”/>
Different types of tea
Teas differ in the form of harvesting and processing. White, red and green teas are made from the leaves of the plant Camellia Sinensis. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and is associated with the treatment of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Black tea undergoes a fermentation process that darkens the leaves. It has a high caffeine content, acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps in intestinal processes.
Photo: Akuppa John Wigham / Creative Commons
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Nearly 30% of Brazilians can experience reflux and not know
Nearly 30% of Brazilians may have reflux and do not know X
According to Lara Natacci, a nutritionist at the Brazilian Society of Food and Nutrition (SBAN), chamomile tea has two main effects. "The first is the soothing action of chamomile, it affects the central nervous system and helps to induce sleep." The other is the improvement of intestinal transit. According to the nutritionist, some studies also show that chamomile has an antioxidant effect on the body.
Photo: disclosure
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Nearly 30% of Brazilians can experience reflux and not know
Nearly 30% of Brazilians may have reflux and do not know X
According to nutritionist Roseli Rossi of the Nutritional Balance Clinic, boldo tea facilitates the work of the gallbladder and contributes to the digestion of fat, thanks to its active ingredients. Boldo is indicated for the control of stomach pains, headaches, liver ailments, diarrhea and discomfort caused by intestinal gas. "However, tea should be used with caution because, in excess, it can cause gastric irritation," says Roseli.
Photo: Tiago Queiroz / Estadão
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Nearly 30% of Brazilians can experience reflux and not know
Nearly 30% of Brazilians may have reflux and do not know X
Lara Natacci, a nutritionist at SBAN, explains that lemongrass tea acts on the central nervous system and has a calming effect, inducing sleep. "Tea also has a laxative effect, it's the best herb for those who have a gut," he says. Lemongrass also has an analgesic and carminative action, ie it acts against gas in the stomach.
Photo: Reproduction / Pixabay
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Nearly 30% of Brazilians can experience reflux and not know
Nearly 30% of Brazilians may have reflux and do not know X
Carqueja tea is used as a diuretic. According to nutritionist Roseli Rossi, he acts favorably in cases of anemia, gallstones, diarrhea and diseases of the spleen, bladder, liver and kidneys. It fights digestion problems, helps reduce heartburn and can be used to fight against poor blood circulation, inflammation of the urinary tract, diabetes, jaundice and intestinal worms.
Photo: Forban / Creative Commons
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Nearly 30% of Brazilians can experience reflux and not know
Nearly 30% of Brazilians may have reflux and do not know X
<img src = "https://img.estadao.com.br/thumbs/940/resources/jpg/6/1/1476488906016.jpg” alt=”Poppet with a camera / Creative Commons”/>
Fennel
The infusion of fennel acts mainly on the digestive system. It has an antispasmodic action, that is to say, it reduces the formation of intestinal gas. According to Lara Natacci, a nutritionist at SBAN, fennel could also have an antioxidant action. Oxidation is one of the factors that contribute to aging and can facilitate the onset of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The infusion of fennel can also be used against heartburn, vomiting, bad breath and dizziness.
Photo: Poppet with a camera / Creative Commons
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Nearly 30% of Brazilians can experience reflux and not know
Nearly 30% of Brazilians may have reflux and do not know X
Mint tea has an anti-inflammatory action and fights the inflammatory processes of the intestinal mucosa. It can be used in the fight against nausea, vomiting, gas and the absence of menstrual flow. "The mint contains active ingredients used to relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which increases the production and secretion of bile, thus facilitating the digestion of lipids," says nutritionist Roseli Rossi. Mint tea also has a vermifuge, analgesic and diuretic function.
Photo: Reproduction / Pixabay
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Nearly 30% of Brazilians can experience reflux and not know
Nearly 30% of Brazilians may have reflux and do not know X
The infusion of yerba mate stimulates digestion. According to SBAN nutritionist, Lara Natacci, studies have shown that mate helps to lower cholesterol, improves circulation and reduces fat accumulation in the arteries. "Other research suggests a thermogenic effect, similar to caffeine and green tea, but it takes a large amount of effect, about four cups of tea," he says.
Photo: Alex Silva / Estadão
"I had a lot of coughing, and with time, I realized that they were associated with food and stress.I had an endoscopy and I already had ebbed, but I stayed three to four years deferring an exam. [mais detalhado]Santos said.
The test, which consists of staying 24 hours with a "camera" examining all the behaviors of the stomach and the esophagus, revealed that his case was serious and genetic. The diagnosis also gave her the right to have surgery to close the valve properly. However, considering the possibility that the intervention loses its effect over time, the executive preferred to take better care of itself.
"I take care not to lie down just after eating, to use a pillow that helps to leave the body higher, to avoid hot spices and alcoholic beverages," he says. . Drugs, according to Santos, are for life and discipline is paramount. "You can eat everything, but if you eat too much, the valve is not safe.Having food awareness is essential."
Treatment for gastric reflux
Chinzon reinforces the method adopted by Rodrigo Santos: the treatment combines behavioral and pharmacological measures. "The first recommendations for the patient are not to lie down after eating, avoid overeating, eat often with less amount and avoid fatty foods," said the gastroenterologist.
The most commonly used drugs are proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, which have an effect longer and longer than antacids. These, although they do not harm the body and provide immediate relief, cause the person to stop consulting a doctor while she is constantly suffering from the problem.
Self-medication, according to Decio Chinzon, is discouraged. "The person can have a medicine at home, provided that it is guided by the doctor and taken when needed. But self-medication masks the symptoms, which progresses the disease," says the doctor .
Check here some myths and truths about gastro-oesophageal reflux.
