What Are the Treatments for Enterogastric Reflux Disease?

Reflux is the backing up of acid from the stomach into the esophagus, and it can cause severe discomfort in its sufferers. This disorder, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, can lead to frequent heartburn or pain behind the breastbone, chest or abdominal pain, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, acidic belching, sore throat, coughing and wheezing. Many people live with this disease, but there are also various options to consider that may eliminate it.

Lifestyle Modification

• Without pursuing true medical options, reflux can often be cured with a commitment to lifestyle change. According to the Digestive Disease Research Center at Tehran University, losing weight, avoiding fatty and high-calorie foods, quitting smoking and avoiding reclining within two or three hours of a meal are a good start in ridding yourself of the symptoms of the disease. Engaging in regular exercise and sleeping in a reclined position are recommended to minimize or eliminate symptoms. Avoiding acidic and excessively spicy foods at mealtime are also recommended.

Medical Therapy

• Many doctors may prescribe over-the-counter medications such as acid blockers, proton pump inhibitors and antacids to help prevent either the production of acid or its effects.

  Prescription-strength medications may be necessary for more severe cases. These include H-2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and medications to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and empty the stomach more quickly.

Anti-Reflux Surgery

• Laparoscopic nissen fundoplication is an anti-reflux surgical technique that can be used to effectively treat reflux. The surgery strengthens the sphincter by wrapping part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to prevent reflux and maintain the position of the stomach and the lower esophagus in the abdomen, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some hospitals also offer gastrointestinal endoscopic surgeries for those who do not want to be forced to take reflux medication for the rest of their lives.

Risk Factors

• Enterogastric reflux can be caused by a number of factors, and certain people are definitely at higher risk for developing the disease than others. These risk factors include obesity, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, smoking, asthma and diabetes.