A modern disease: acid reflux

Then, gastritis, colitis, ulcers, allergies and asthma became the topic of conversation. Now, the time of acid reflux has arrived! This so-called disease saw a steep rise in value like real estate that becomes expensive overnight after being developed as part of a zoning scheme. Unknown to physicians some 10 years ago, this state-of-the-art disease has gained such great fame that asthma, allergies, cancer, hepatitis, arteriosclerosis and even AIDS may soon be jealous.

Moreover, there is almost not a single disease that is not associated in one way or another with acid reflux, including hoarse voice, coughing, asthma, postnasal drip, sinusitis, otitis, pneumonia, pharyngitis and laryngitis. Its coverage area has expanded to include infants. Patients, physicians and the drug industry have their share in making certain diseases popular. Let us begin with patients: They were so bored with being diagnosed with gastritis or ulcers that they started to look for a new and, if you will, “modern” disease. Acid reflux came to their rescue. The same applies to physicians, as well. Moreover, every new disease or every new medicine means conferences, seminars, meetings, i.e., promotions and free travel, meals and accommodation for physicians working at state hospitals, and new patients and higher income for physicians who have private offices.

Of course, the lion’s share, as always, goes to the medicine and medical equipment sector. Their aim is to portray some transient or unimportant complaints as symptoms of an important disease and turn the diseases which can be treated through certain adjustments to one’s lifestyle into those that require lifelong drug use and advertise some rarely seen complications as frequent conditions, thereby creating a fashionable disease and boosting their sales with this new fashion.

Acid reflux not a disease

First, you should accept that acid reflux is not a disease. It is a physiological condition that can be seen in healthy people as well. Acid reflux means a backward flow. Essentially, the reference here is made to gastroesophageal reflux, which is the escape of some materials or acid from the stomach and into the esophagus. Normally, circular muscles located at the lower part of the esophagus called a sphincter prevent liquids or foods from returning into the esophagus. However, acid reflux may occur for a short time even in healthy people -- particularly after meals. It does not damage the esophagus nor cause any symptom; in other words, it is a physiological condition.

Hiatus hernia, excessive weight, pregnancy, frequent vomiting, etc., may cause the sphincter to relax, facilitating acid reflux. Extended and excessive acid reflux may cause esophagitis, i.e., the inflammation of the lower part of the esophagus. When acid reflux starts to cause inflammation or other symptoms in the esophagus, it is no longer regarded as an innocent condition but accepted as a disease. The most important symptom of the acid reflux disease is pain behind the sternum. This is a painful and burning sensation or heartburn that increases after meals or at night or upon bending forward. Some people may suffer from a flow of stomach contents or gastric acid into the mouth, burping and difficulty in swallowing as symptoms.

Beware of the following

It is wrong to resort to medicine after every complaint. Small changes in lifestyle are the only thing that many people will need. Eat five or six times a day instead of just three. Go for light meals instead of oily or spicy dishes that are hard to digest. Keep away from peppery, sour, spicy or fried food. Do not go into the supine position until after three or four hours have elapsed since you last ate. Keep your head at an elevated position while sleeping. Avoid alcohol, smoking, excessive tea, coffee or cola. Be careful about medicine that increases gastric acid such as aspirin or painkillers. Do not wear belts or tight skirts or pants that squeeze your belly. Refrain from bending forward. Try to get rid of excess weight.

Who should be treated and when?