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REFLUX OESOPHAGITIS: SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
There is no true sphincter on the oesophageal side of the stomach and the lack of this anatomical feature allows gastric acid to splash back into the oesophagus. In due course the oesophagus becomes inflamed and ulcerated, a situation which can lead to scarring and obstruction of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of an inflamed oesophagus include a central chest burning pain which may be worse after meals, at bed time and bending over. Sometimes people experience the presence of burning fluid in the back of the mouth as acid splashes all the way up to the throat. Less common is hoarseness as a result of acid splashing onto the vocal chords and even less common again is the presence of a chemical pneumonia as the gastric acid finds its way into the lungs themselves.
Gastric reflux is now commonly diagnosed in infants who ball and scream after their feeds and when lying down in their cots. Diagnosis follows a barium meal or gastroscopy.
Surgery has little to offer in the management of reflux oesophagitis. Occasionally attempts are made to surgically tighten the entry into the stomach to reduce the presence of reflux; but in most cases symptoms are controlled by antacids after meals and at bed time. Resistant reflux attracts the prescription of the H2 receptor blocking drugs like Zantac and Tagamet. If these drugs fail to prevent acid reflux the last line of defense is Losec. Losec is a super effective; but expensive inhibitor of gastric acid secretion. It is rarely used by medical practitioners as the Health Insurance Commission Pharmaceutical Branch make it very difficult for doctors to prescribe.
Home Remedies
Do not lay infants on their stomachs as recommended by medical experts. This increases their chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Lay them on their right sides. Elderly people can content themselves with raising the head of the bed and avoiding where possible the act of bending forward.
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GENERAL HEALTH
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