At the end of the esophagus, where it meets the stomach, is a valve or "gate" known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

The function of this is to open to allow food to pass into the stomach and to close so that stomach acid does not return to the esophagus.

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Can gastroesophageal reflux be caused by hiatal hernia?

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Hiatal hernia favors gastroesophageal reflux, since it displaces the LES into the thoracic cavity and therefore becomes incompetent.

However, not everyone with a hiatal hernia has gastroesophageal reflux disease, and you don't have to have a hiatal hernia to have reflux.

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Is reflux frequent?

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Heartburn is common, 10% of the population experience this discomfort at least once a week and up to 25% of pregnant women have symptoms related to reflux.

In a smaller proportion, heartburn is more frequent and severe, limiting the performance of daily activities and causing complications.

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What are the complications of the disease?

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Chronic inflammation of the esophagus that can cause ulcers and bleeding. These healing ulcers can narrow the esophagus and make it difficult to pass food.

Some patients may develop a condition known as Barrett's esophagus (premalignant lesion) and respiratory problems such as hoarseness, chronic sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, or recurrent pneumonia.

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How is it diagnosed?

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Endoscopy is the study of choice when this disease is suspected, since it allows evaluating the degree of burn of the esophageal mucosa, the competence or incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter, the existence of hiatal hernia and the presence of Barrett's esophagus.

Sometimes, endoscopic findings are not enough to reach an accurate diagnosis, so esophageal manometry and esophageal pH measurement for 24 or 48 hours can be used. On other occasions, the radiological study called esophagus gastroduodenal series is used.

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What measures can I take to have less discomfort?

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• Avoid lying down immediately after eating.

• Raise the head of the bed 15 cm.

• Lose weight if you are overweight.

• Give up smoking.

• Avoid large, greasy and irritating meals.

• Take antacids.

 

If, despite these measures, the discomfort persists, it is best to see your specialist doctor to perform an endoscopy and determine which is the best medication in particular and the time necessary to take it.

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