Reflux - What helps with heartburn?| Mister Sandman

What is reflux and how can it be treated?

Reflux and heartburn - What is that?

The word reflux is derived from the Latin term "refluxus" and means something like backflow. In medicine, reflux generally refers to the backflow of the contents of a hollow organ into another. The gastroesophageal reflux, often simply referred to as heartburn in common language, is the backflow of gastric juice in connection with stomach acid from the stomach into the esophagus. It is also referred to as reflux disease. The frequently mentioned heartburn, on the other hand, does not refer to the disease itself, but merely represents one of the symptoms of reflux disease. In the Mister Sandman guide, we will introduce you to everything about heartburn, the symptoms, and possible treatment methods. As a preview: A high-quality and affordable mattress can help in many cases to better treat those symptoms, as the choice of sleeping surface is an important factor.

Reflux Symptome

Heartburn and reflux disease are often used as synonyms. However, heartburn is merely the characteristic main symptom of reflux disease. Heartburn describes a burning pain behind the breastbone, which rises from the upper abdomen into the esophagus and can radiate up to the throat and pharynx. Heartburn is often accompanied by sour or bitter belching. It should be noted that occasional heartburn due to reflux can also be harmless. Especially after very rich, fatty, or sweet food, probably everyone has experienced this symptom at least once. However, if these symptoms occur very frequently and significantly impair the quality of life, it is referred to as reflux disease. This can have various causes and can have serious health consequences if left untreated. The most important symptoms that can lead to reflux are summarized as follows:

Heartburn
Pressure sensation in the chest
Sour / bitter belching
Sore throat (burning in the throat)
Bad breath
Hoarseness
difficulty swallowing
Damage to tooth enamel
Vomiting

Reflux causes

There are three possible causes of reflux. On the one hand, reflux can occur when very large amounts of stomach acid are expelled and cannot be retained in the stomach by the natural movement of the esophagus (peristalsis). This is often the case after large or very fatty meals when the stomach produces very large amounts of stomach acid. Another reason for reflux can be a previously damaged peristalsis of the esophagus, which cannot handle even normal amounts of stomach acid. The third and also most common cause of reflux is a weakening or failure of the internal sphincter between the stomach and esophagus. This sphincter normally prevents the backflow of gastric juice into the esophagus. If this muscle is too weak, the stomach contents mixed with stomach acid flow into the esophagus. This can also happen when the stomach is too full after consuming large amounts of food and the contents push back from the stomach into the esophagus. The mucous membrane of the esophagus is not protected against contact with stomach acid compared to the stomach mucosa. With frequent reflux or reflux disease, this can lead to damage to the esophagus and significant discomfort for those affected. These causes can in turn be favored by certain circumstances and lifestyles. For example, the following can lead to reflux and heartburn:

very large meals (especially in the evening)
fatty, very sugary or spicy food
Alcohol
Smoking
too much coffee
Stress
Overweight
Pregnancy (increased stomach pressure)

Reflux diagnosis

In order to treat reflux disease effectively, a diagnosis must first be made. Due to the symptoms of reflux, the diagnosis for a doctor is usually not a major problem. Since those affected often suffer from very distressing heartburn, the suspicion of reflux disease is usually raised quickly. To clarify the symptoms, an endoscopy of the esophagus and stomach can help, where inflammation and changes can be detected. A test of the pH level of the esophagus can also provide information about the burden of rising stomach acid. A particularity in the diagnosis of reflux and reflux disease is silent reflux, where no characteristic symptoms are described by those affected.

Manifestations of reflux

Functional reflux: The sphincter between the stomach and esophagus relaxes and allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
Pathological reflux: Here, in addition to functional reflux, further symptoms are added. This is referred to as reflux disease.
Secondary reflux: The reflux is triggered by a diaphragm hernia.

Reflux symptoms baby

The occasional backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus is normal for babies up to a certain limit and is often referred to by parents as spitting up. This symptom usually disappears as the baby gets older and is less common in children. A condition is only referred to in babies when reflux occurs more frequently and is accompanied by other symptoms. Signs of reflux disease in babies and children include:

Pain, sweating, sleep disorders
Damage to the milk teeth
difficulty swallowing
Refusal to eat
Restlessness and crying after breastfeeding
Leaning the head back while breastfeeding to facilitate feeding

Reflux during pregnancy

Many women suffer more or exclusively from heartburn during pregnancy. This is caused by hormonal fluctuations, which cause the sphincter muscle between the stomach and esophagus to work less effectively. Additionally, especially in advanced pregnancies, the pressure on the stomach is increased, causing stomach acid to be pushed more frequently into the esophagus through the weakened sphincter muscle. In such cases, it does not necessarily indicate reflux disease. A tailored diet and medications (in consultation with a doctor!) can help. If the symptoms did not cause any issues before, they often disappear after childbirth as well.

Reflux esophagitis

Reflux esophagitis refers to a subtype of reflux disease. Characteristic of reflux esophagitis are visible changes in the mucosa of the esophagus. Patients suffer especially at night while lying on the mattress or after consuming sweet or very fatty foods, as well as after alcohol consumption, from severe heartburn. Those affected by reflux esophagitis often work in professions where they speak or sing a lot.

Silent reflux

Silent reflux is essentially the same problem as reflux. However, those affected do not experience the typical heartburn in this case. Therefore, the diagnosis of silent reflux is often not the first thought for a doctor, as patients usually seek medical attention for other, often nonspecific symptoms. Silent reflux usually has symptoms that are directly or indirectly related to the cause. If not diagnosed, silent reflux can lead to further complaints, such as asthma.

Overview of the most common complaints in silent reflux:

frequent hoarseness and problems speaking
sore throat
the feeling of having a lump in the throat
difficulty swallowing
excessive production of mucus in the airways
persistent clearing of the throat
(chronic) cough
asthma
frequent belching
irritated mucous membranes
often nausea
frequent infections (of the respiratory tract)

Secondary diseases from reflux

If frequent heartburn is ignored and reflux disease is not treated, it can lead to a serious secondary disease. If stomach acid repeatedly contacts the sensitive mucous membrane of the esophagus, it can be severely damaged. Diseases of the respiratory tract can be a consequence, for example.

Possible consequences and diseases due to reflux include:

asthma
Barrett's syndrome
sore throat, cough
laryngitis
chronic bronchitis

Asthma due to reflux

Asthma can be a consequence of reflux when stomach acid penetrates into the throat area and from there enters the trachea. This is severely damaged by stomach acid. Symptoms that often occur with asthma caused by reflux include:

shortness of breath and breathlessness
severe and dry cough (especially in the morning)
Feeling of tightness in the chest area
whistling sound when breathing

Barrett syndrome due to reflux

The Barrett syndrome is a possible consequence of chronic reflux disease and is considered a precursor to cancer. Treatment should begin immediately after diagnosis. In this condition, damaged tissue parts of the esophagus are transformed into diseased tissue.

Treatment and therapy of reflux

The treatment of reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease is based on the intensity of the condition and its symptoms and the respective cause. Often, reflux can be very well alleviated by home remedies, medications, or a change in diet and lifestyle habits. In rare cases, a surgery may be sensible or necessary. Choosing the right mattress can also help to reduce reflux at night. Therefore, an individual consultation at Mister Sandman is usually helpful to find the suitable mattress. Particularly good options are latex mattresses, gel mattresses, and cold foam mattresses.

Reflux - Better prevention than aftercare

Even if one does not suffer from reflux or only occasionally, it is advisable to pay attention to a conscious diet and a healthy lifestyle. This can help prevent reflux symptoms or improve milder symptoms. Here are some tips:

avoid / reduce stress
Sport
weight reduction in case of overweight
do not smoke
limit alcohol and coffee consumption
prefer several small meals instead of one large one
avoid fatty or very sugary foods
spicy food only in moderation
favor a high-protein diet
Do not eat in a hurry or late at night

Reflux treatment with medications

If reflux symptoms occasionally occur, they can usually be easily treated with medication. Antacids typically work by reducing the production of stomach acid in the stomach by inhibiting a specific enzyme. Depending on the intensity and frequency of the complaints, medications can be used as acute remedies or for long-term therapy. Acute remedies for treating occasionally occurring symptoms are available over the counter at pharmacies. For persistent complaints and severe symptoms, doctors should be consulted.

Reflux - When is surgery necessary?

In rare cases, doctors recommend surgery for diagnosed reflux disease. In any case, the cause must be precisely determined beforehand. Surgery is advisable if:

Affected individuals cannot tolerate the medications or cannot take them regularly.
Affected individuals have complaints despite a healthy lifestyle or the medications do not work.
Affected individuals suffer permanently from the complaints.

Self-help remedies: Home remedies for reflux

Those who suffer from occasional reflux with mild symptoms (heartburn) can also initially try to alleviate these with home remedies. Tips for proven home remedies against heartburn include, for example:

Drinking a glass of milk
Thoroughly chewing individual almonds
Stomach-soothing teas (Chamomile, Fennel, Anise...)
Chewing gum (This stimulates saliva production, which neutralizes stomach acid.)
Sleeping on the right mattress lying with an elevated upper body (in case of nighttime heartburn)