Obesity increases the risk of gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disease. In normal people, after food is put into the mouth and down to the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach), the esophageal sphincter relaxes to allow food and liquid to pass into the stomach and then again. close. However, people with acid reflux experience acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, causing the esophageal lining to become irritated.

Doctor Lam Van Hoang, Director of the Center for Weight Control and Obesity Treatment, Tam Anh General Hospital, said obesity is a factor that promotes gastroesophageal reflux, making it worse. existing reflux condition. Because excess fat, especially visceral fat, increases intra-abdominal pressure, pushes the stomach upward, causing diaphragmatic hernia, weakening the lower esophageal sphincter, making acid easily reflux into the esophagus.

Overweight people tend to eat foods with high fat content. This group of substances interferes with the secretion of fat and protein digestion hormones or appetite suppressing hormones, leading to relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, reducing the ability to prevent reflux. In addition, the stomachs of overweight and obese people often produce more acid, contributing to an increased risk of reflux. Obesity can slow down the digestive process, causing slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis) – a factor that promotes the development of reflux.

Typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are heartburn, belching, belching, and nausea. Patients may have a sore throat, prolonged cough and hoarseness because the throat and larynx are regularly exposed to stomach acid, leading to inflammation and swelling. Due to acid residue from the esophagus, the mouth often secretes more saliva. During reflux, bile can enter the stomach and then flow upward, creating a bitter feeling in the mouth.

Weight loss contributes to the control of reflux symptoms in obese patients. A stable weight helps reduce intra-abdominal pressure and improve the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing acid reflux.

To prevent gastroesophageal reflux, Dr. Hoang recommends not gaining too much weight, avoiding overeating, not using alcohol, and dividing meals 4-5 times a day. People with gastric reflux due to stress need to balance work and participate in rest and entertainment activities to reduce stress and anxiety. A comfortable spirit helps increase treatment effectiveness.

In case lifestyle changes and 3-6 months of medical treatment are not effective, doctors consider endoscopic or oral endoscopic surgery to create an anti-reflux valve for the patient.