According to the Brazilian Federation of Gastroenterology (FBG), 30% of adults in Brazil suffer from so-called reflux disease, which is equivalent to 50 million Brazilians. This condition occurs when stomach secretions repeatedly return to the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and others.
Moreover, without adequate control, reflux is detrimental to an individual’s quality of life, because it can disrupt sleep, cause serious damage to the esophagus and ulcers, exacerbate diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and even lead to esophageal cancer.
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Treatment mainly involves changes in diet and habits. But some cases may require another type of approach, such as surgery.
Discover 10 important facts about reflux disease
Gastrointestinal surgeon Eduardo Greco, who is also coordinator of the Endoscopy and Residency Service at ABC-São Paulo School of Medicine and a full member of the Brazilian Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Sobed), explains 10 facts about reflux. check it out:
1- Obesity is a risk factor
Excess weight leads to increased pressure in the abdominal area.
2- Pregnant women are more susceptible to this
The reason is the same as in obese people: increased pressure in the abdomen, which in this case occurs due to the enlargement of the uterus due to the growth of the baby.
3 – Your treatment usually includes changes in diet and habits
“Dietary and behavioral changes are essential for those with reflux and are the first step toward treatment,” Greco says. Therefore, it is important to avoid fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, alcohol and soft drinks. Furthermore, the ideal solution is to eat small portions several times a day, rather than eating very large meals.
Read the full report at Saúde em Dia, Partner Capitals.
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