Can I occasionally eat ice cream with reflux esophagitis?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can occasionally eat ice cream. However, it is advisable for those with GERD to eat less high-fat food and avoid alcohol, strong tea, coffee, chocolate, etc. It is recommended to eat small, frequent meals and avoid overeating. Consuming fresh vegetables and fruits is encouraged, but patients should not have a heavy dinner or lie down immediately after eating. After taking medicine, it’s beneficial to stand and move around. Patients should maintain a regular diet, adhere to their medication schedule, and undergo regular endoscopic check-ups. Generally, GERD is not very severe.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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Reflux esophagitis is divided into several grades.

Reflux esophagitis can be classified into four grades based on the extent of esophageal mucosal damage: Grade A, B, C, and D. Grade A mainly involves damage to the folds of the esophageal mucosa, generally not exceeding 5 millimeters. Grade B refers to damage greater than 5 millimeters. Grade C indicates that the damage to the esophageal mucosa reaches 75% of the entire circumference of the esophagus; any damage below 75% falls into Grade C. Grade D, on the other hand, is quite severe, with extensive damage around the entire circumference of the esophagus, mainly divided into these four grades.

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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 Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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How to exercise and take care of reflux esophagitis.

If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you should eat small, frequent meals, consume more low-fat foods, quit smoking and drinking, not eat too much for dinner, and avoid lying down immediately after eating. It is important to adhere to medication and have regular check-ups. If you experience a burning sensation behind the breastbone, and symptoms such as black stools, persistent pain that cannot be relieved, etc., you should seek medical attention promptly. Specific examination methods and medication should be carried out according to the doctor's instructions. Additionally, you should consume easily digestible foods and avoid spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What foods are good for gastroesophageal reflux disease?

For reflux esophagitis, it is recommended to have an easily digestible diet and avoid smoking and drinking. One should not consume strong tea, coffee, fatty, greasy, spicy, fried, grilled, cold, or sweet foods. It is also advised against consuming milk, soy milk, glutinous rice, sweet potatoes, etc., as these foods may promote gastric acid secretion, leading to further irritation of the esophageal mucosa and worsening reflux esophagitis. Some are also difficult to digest, so it is recommended to avoid them. You can consume porridge, such as lean meat porridge, chicken porridge, fish porridge, etc.; or soups, such as chicken soup, pork rib soup, etc.; you can also eat noodles. When eating meat, remember to cook it until it's very soft, and it is also advised to increase physical activity.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Is reflux esophagitis serious?

Reflux esophagitis can be observed during an endoscopy as changes in the esophageal mucosa, including hyperemia, edema, erosion, and ulcers. The severity is graded based on the size of the erosion and ulcers, with smaller areas indicating milder conditions and larger areas indicating more severe conditions. An endoscopy can definitively diagnose reflux esophagitis, whose main symptoms include upper abdominal pain, chest pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. The treatment primarily involves acid suppression, protection of the stomach lining, and promoting gastric motility, with a treatment duration of about six to eight weeks. Dietary considerations include avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, not consuming strong tea or coffee, and avoiding spicy, stimulating, fried, and barbecued foods that are difficult to digest.