Many people have begun to experience digestive disorders caused by the stress of prolonged lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Reflux is one of these disorders. It occurs when the gastric content – either acidic or alkaline (bile) – rises through the esophagus and irritates it.

Its most frequent symptoms are, for example, a burning sensation and pain in the middle of the chest, heartburn, regurgitation, cruets, and difficulty eating. Many times, it can cause a dry cough and sleep disruption; in fact, the latter causes the patient to have bad experiences in the middle of the night.

To prevent this disease, it is recommended to modify nutritional habits, especially for people who eat too much at night or for those who go to bed on a full stomach.

It is also recommended to avoid spicy or highly seasoned foods, as well as limiting fat intake. Exercises after meals are prohibited for people with this disorder.

Gastroenterologist Roberto Piccini, from Clínica Ricardo Palma, advises chewing food well, as well as eating moderate portions.

Prevention

It is important not to spend hours with an empty stomach, wear loose clothing, and eat light dinner preferably two hours before bedtime. It is necessary that the patient controls his weight, and that at bedtime raises the head of his bed about fifteen centimeters to avoid reflux.

If regurgitation episodes are frequent, you should visit your doctor. Eventually, it can cause stenosis or decrease of the esophageal lumen due to scarring and, in the worst-case scenario, cancer.

Reflux is very annoying; therefore, prevention is the best option. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and nuts, chocolate, vegetables, garlic, onion, carbonated drinks, citrus, fats, and fried foods.

Also, try to exercise regularly or do some activities to relax, such as yoga or meditation to combat stress and anxiety.

Medical treatment

Regarding treatment, your doctor will tell you to change some habits and recommend an over-the-counter medication. If you do not feel relief, you must take other types of drugs.

This problem is usually overcome with medication; however, surgery is sometimes necessary. Therefore, it is very important to have regular check-ups with your gastroenterologist to avoid complications.

Before going to the consultation, write down the symptoms you feel, if you identify any triggers, make a list of the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, and all your questions, so you can make the most of it.

Dr. Roberto Piccini
Gastroenterologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma