Preventing "Heartburn" and Easing the Burden on the Stomach
Core Tip: Experts in gastroenterology explain that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common digestive system disorders. It refers to the discomfort and complications caused by the backflow of stomach contents. Many people overlook its symptoms and neglect treatment, which can potentially lead to cancer and pose significant health risks.
Ms. Chen, who works in a foreign enterprise, has recently been experiencing frequent chest pain and stomach acid reflux. She suspects her old problem with GERD has flared up again and is very worried that recurrent episodes will worsen her condition.
The main symptoms of GERD are "heartburn" and reflux, but it often presents with other atypical symptoms, such as persistent coughing, chest pain, chest tightness, asthma, and throat discomfort. "Indeed, a portion of GERD patients experience recurrent and very stubborn episodes," said Mao Hua, director of the Department of Gastroenterology at Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University. "Most patients show improvement after 4-8 weeks of medication, but some experience relapses, especially after discontinuing the medication. This may be related to psychological factors or dietary habits."
According to reports, there is a commonality among the population with GERD: most cases are caused by "man-made" factors. Frequently overeating, eating before bed, consuming spicy, sweet and sour, or fried foods, excessive alcohol consumption or smoking, and often eating high-protein, high-fat foods can all trigger GERD. Furthermore, high levels of psychological stress are a very significant factor. The stomach is an organ highly susceptible to emotional influence, and the fast-paced lives and work of modern people have directly contributed to the increase and recurrence of GERD.
Adhere to Long-Term Medication and Maintain a Healthy Diet
Similar to hypertension and diabetes, GERD is a highly prevalent chronic disease that severely affects people's work and quality of life. Surveys show: as many as 80% of GERD patients have difficulty sleeping, over two-thirds believe their daily diet is affected, and approximately one-third feel that the disease has reduced their work efficiency. So, how to effectively control symptoms and prevent recurrence? Mao Hua offers two suggestions:
First, adhere to long-term medication. The current clinical recommendation for treatment is to use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to suppress gastric acid secretion. Most patients' "heartburn" symptoms can be significantly relieved within five days, but to consolidate the therapeutic effect and prevent relapse, long-term treatment must be followed according to medical advice. Currently, there is no drug or surgery that can completely cure this disease.
Second, pay attention to a healthy diet. GERD is closely related to people's usual dietary structure and lifestyle habits. The most fundamental preventive measure is to cultivate good eating habits: reduce food intake, eat small meals frequently, eat less fried food, and eat more lean meat, milk, soy products, and egg whites, which are rich in protein. Maintain a light diet and reduce the use of irritating condiments such as chili, curry, pepper, garlic, and mint.