Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Reflux – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Reflux refers to the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. It causes heartburn and irritation of the mucous membrane and is one of the most common digestive disorders worldwide.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Reflux"

Reflux refers to the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. It causes heartburn and irritation of the mucous membrane and is one of the most common digestive disorders worldwide.

What is Reflux?

Reflux describes the involuntary backflow of stomach contents – including stomach acid, digestive enzymes, and partially digested food – into the esophagus. The medical term for this condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal conditions, affecting millions of people globally and significantly impacting quality of life.

Causes

The primary cause of reflux is a dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. When this muscle weakens or relaxes inappropriately, stomach contents can flow back upward.

Overweight and obesity
Pregnancy (increased abdominal pressure)
Hiatal hernia (part of the stomach pushing through the diaphragm)
Certain foods (e.g., fatty foods, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, citrus fruits)
Smoking
Stress and psychological factors
Certain medications (e.g., calcium channel blockers, nitrates)

Symptoms

The hallmark symptom of reflux is heartburn – a burning sensation behind the breastbone, typically occurring after meals or when lying down. Other common symptoms include:

Acid regurgitation (stomach contents rising into the throat or mouth)
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Chronic cough or hoarseness
Globus sensation (feeling of a lump in the throat)
Chest pain (which must be distinguished from cardiac causes)
Nausea, especially in the morning

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is primarily based on the medical history and reported symptoms. For persistent or severe cases, the following investigations may be performed:

Upper endoscopy (gastroscopy): Direct visualization of the esophageal and gastric mucosa
24-hour pH monitoring: Measures acid levels in the esophagus over a full day
Esophageal manometry: Measures pressure within the esophagus and sphincter function
Barium swallow X-ray: Imaging of the upper digestive tract using contrast dye

Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

Many patients benefit significantly from changes in daily habits:

Weight loss if overweight
Eating smaller, more frequent meals
Avoiding food and drink at least 2–3 hours before bedtime
Elevating the head of the bed slightly
Avoiding trigger foods, alcohol, and carbonated drinks
Quitting smoking

Medications

When symptoms persist, medications are prescribed:

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole or pantoprazole: Reduce stomach acid production and are the most effective drug treatment
H2 receptor antagonists (e.g., famotidine): Moderately reduce acid secretion
Antacids: Neutralize stomach acid rapidly but only provide short-term relief
Prokinetics: Help speed up gastric emptying and strengthen the sphincter

Surgical Treatment

In severe or medication-resistant cases, surgery may be considered. The most common procedure is laparoscopic fundoplication, in which the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus to reinforce the sphincter.

Complications

Untreated chronic reflux can lead to serious complications:

Esophagitis: Inflammation and erosion of the esophageal lining
Esophageal stricture: Narrowing of the esophagus due to scar tissue
Barrett's esophagus: A change in the lining cells of the esophagus that significantly increases the risk of esophageal cancer
Esophageal adenocarcinoma: A form of esophageal cancer arising from long-standing GERD

References

Vakil N. et al. – The Montreal Definition and Classification of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2006; 101(8): 1900–1920.
Katz P.O. et al. – Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2022; 117(1): 27–56.
World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) – Global Guidelines: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), 2017. Available at: www.worldgastroenterology.org

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.