Is reflux esophagitis related to nasal discharge reflux?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and nasal discharge reflux are usually not directly related. GERD is caused by excessive gastric acid secretion due to chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers in patients, which refluxes into the esophagus and throat, causing reflux esophagitis. Nasal discharge reflux, on the other hand, is mainly related to chronic sinusitis in patients, both of which can cause inflammation and discomfort in the patient's throat. For patients with GERD, the main treatment involves controlling acid suppression through medication. Common medications include proton pump inhibitors and comprehensive gastric acid relaxants. Additionally, for patients experiencing nasal discharge reflux, diagnosis is primarily through nasal endoscopy and paranasal sinus CT scan. For patients with sinusitis, treatment usually requires medications and surgery to open the sinus passages to improve symptoms and achieve healing.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 20sec home-news-image

Can people with reflux esophagitis eat sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes can increase the secretion of stomach acid, and it is not recommended for those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to consume sweet potatoes. GERD is a type of gastroesophageal reflux disease that refers to the damage to the esophageal mucosa caused by the reflux of acid or alkali. During an endoscopy, defects in the esophageal mucosa, or ulcers, can be observed. GERD is graded based on the size of these ulcers and the extent of erosion, with four levels of severity. The larger the damage, the higher the grade, indicating a more severe case of GERD. Therefore, those with GERD must be cautious about their diet. It is essential to quit smoking and drinking alcohol, avoid strong tea and coffee, and try not to consume foods that are rich, greasy, fried, spicy, or grilled. Foods like milk, soy milk, glutinous rice, and sweet potatoes, which can increase the secretion of stomach acid, are also not recommended. Thus, it is advised that people with GERD avoid consuming sweet potatoes.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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Reflux esophagitis is caused by what?

There are many causes of reflux esophagitis. The main issue is due to the acidic digestive fluids from the stomach entering the esophagus. The primary cause of this is problems with the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, commonly referred to by doctors as the LES. Additionally, increased abdominal pressure or some gastrointestinal issues can also lead to reflux esophagitis.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 13sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of reflux esophagitis?

The main symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include upper abdominal pain, chest pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. A gastroscopy can reveal lesions on the esophageal mucosa, and if such damage is observed, a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease can be made. The severity of the lesions on the esophageal mucosa can be classified into four grades: A, B, C, and D, with grade A being the mildest and grade D the most severe. Treatment primarily involves acid suppression, promoting gastric motility, and repairing the mucosa. The treatment course usually lasts about six to eight weeks. Moreover, gastroesophageal reflux disease is closely related to poor gastric motility, so regular exercise is recommended. Exercise can enhance gastric motility and promote intestinal peristalsis, which plays a positive role in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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How to deal with reflux esophagitis causing palpitations and a feeling of panic?

Patients with reflux esophagitis, if experiencing palpitations or a feeling of heart flutter, are advised to complete an electrocardiogram to rule out the possibility of heart disease. If heart disease causing these symptoms has been ruled out, then one may visit the hospital and consider taking oral proton pump inhibitors to suppress stomach acid secretion, reducing the erosive impact of acid reflux on the esophagus. Additionally, one can take protective agents for the stomach and esophageal mucosa, such as magnesium trisilicate, etc. The specific choice of medication and dosage should be used under the guidance of a doctor. Patients with reflux esophagitis should avoid alcohol, strong tea, coffee, etc.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis be detected by a CT scan?

Reflux esophagitis generally cannot be detected on a CT scan unless it is very severe, at which point it may be evident on a CT. Diagnosis of reflux esophagitis is primarily through gastroscope examination, where damage and erosion of the esophageal mucosa can be observed. Patients with severe reflux esophagitis may experience symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn, and a burning sensation behind the sternum. Additional diagnostic methods include upper gastrointestinal barium meal imaging and tissue pathology biopsy. An electrocardiogram can also be performed to rule out the possibility of conditions such as angina.