Gastroesophageal reflux, belching, how to treat?

(Ms. An Thuyen, residing in Tan Phong ward, Bien Hoa city)

Doctor replied:

Hello!

Through the description, the doctor recognized that the child had two typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which are:

• Regurgitation (food regurgitates into the throat after eating)

• Acid reflux (vomiting sour, burning fluid)

This is a sign that you are likely suffering from gastroesophageal reflux. However, you have another symptom of persistent abdominal pain, which can be a symptom of a peptic ulcer or more serious complications. Therefore, the doctor advised you to have a gastroscopy to check the exact cause and assess the extent of damage, if any.

Regarding gagging: This may be a reflex due to nausea or an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach, but intentionally gagging is very dangerous. This action can cause scratches and damage to the lining of the throat and esophagus; at the same time, it increases the risk of tearing the cardia if vomiting is strong and repeated, and more seriously, it can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, you should absolutely not continue this action.

The doctor advised me to see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. At the same time, perform a gastroscopy and a general assessment to determine the exact cause of reflux, the degree of ulceration (if any) and be prescribed the correct treatment regimen. Self-medication or taking medication only when in pain is not enough and can cause the disease to persist and recur.

Regarding the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: Effective treatments include anti-acid drugs, mucosal protective drugs, motility regulators and lifestyle changes. The goals are to reduce symptoms; heal esophageal damage; prevent recurrence; prevent complications...

If not treated properly and early, the disease can cause complications such as chronic esophagitis; esophageal ulcers and strictures; Barrett's esophagus - a type of mucosal change that increases the risk of esophageal cancer.

Therefore, you should change your lifestyle by eating many small meals, not eating too much; avoid lying down right after eating, raise the head of the bed when sleeping; limit foods that cause reflux: fried, spicy, sour foods, coffee, alcohol; maintain a reasonable weight and reduce stress...

I wish you a speedy recovery!

Specialist Doctor 1 Dang Van Manh,

Department of Gastroenterology, Dong Nai General Hospital