Before we start…

Before we start talking about it, let’s make one thing clear: in the perfect machine that is our organism, the thing that fails us most is our guts. Who hasn’t had a tummy ache after a meal, or before, or because of hunger, or nerves? Who hasn’t ever felt that unpleasant, acidic sensation between the torso and the abdomen? It is clear that gastro-oesophageal reflux, heartburn for our friends, is something common. But don’t worry, there is a solution. Gastro-oesophageal reflux feels like a burning or stinging sensation in the chest, up the throat and usually occurs after eating or late in the day. It can be accompanied by a feeling of a lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing, sleep disturbances… And above all, it is very annoying.
Reflux is caused by a poor closure of our oesophagus after the passage of food: it opens to allow food to enter the stomach, where gastric acid continues the digestion process. But when the oesophagus closes poorly, that acid is able to move upwards instead of staying in the stomach, causing the burning sensation that can irritate and inflame the oesophagus.

Tips to avoid gastro-oesophageal reflux

The first thing to do to get rid of this problem is to solve it with hygienic measures and good habits that allow us to forget about it. Here are a few tips!
  • Avoid large mealsThe larger the meal, the more it opens up the passage from the oesophagus to the stomach. Eating smaller, spaced-out portions helps to reduce this process, and thus helps acid to escape from the stomach into the oesophagus.
  • Avoid alcohol alcoholic beverages, as they increase the volume of the stomach.
  • Avoid coffee, as it irritates the stomach lining, causing heartburn.
  • Avoid fats, as they hinder gastric motility and slow down digestion.
  • Evening meals increase stomach acid production, so it is advisable to eat light dinners at least one hour before bedtime.
Reflux is caused by a bad closure of our oesophagus after the passage of food: it opens to allow food to enter the stomach, where gastric acid continues the digestion process. But when the oesophagus closes poorly, that acid is able to move upwards instead of staying in the stomach, causing the burning sensation that can irritate and inflame the oesophagus.
 

Treatment

If hygienic measures are not sufficient, pharmacological treatments are indicated to alleviate gastro-oesophageal reflux.
  • The most common are proton pump inhibitors, such as omperazole. These drugs work by inhibiting acid production in the stomach by blocking the ion exchange produced by the proton pump, which in turn stimulates acid-producing cells. These drugs should not be abused, but they are very effective in occasional moments of heartburn.
On the other hand, alginate drugs (available over-the-counter and with fewer limits on their use) also help with heartburn. Alginic acid creates a mechanical barrier against acid by forming a gel at the bottom of the stomach.