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Do you like greasy, spicy and stimulating food? Do you have a habit of lying down immediately after eating before digesting? Such things are very dangerous habits because it can lead to a disease called “reflux esophagitis.” If the back of the sternum of the chest is hot, sore, and you feel indigestion, foreign body sensation in the neck, or body aches within 30 minutes after the recent meal, it is necessary to suspect this disease.
The esophagus is a passage that delivers food through the mouth to the stomach. A problem occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter in the diaphragm stenosis, the part where the stomach and esophagus are connected, is not tightened well. Greasy and stimulating foods or caffeine can reduce the pressure on these muscles. Drinking, smoking, and overeating can also cause reflux esophagitis. In addition, if the stomach falls into the thoracic cavity due to an increase in intraperitoneal pressure, esophageal hot holes may widen and reflux may occur. If the motor function of the esophagus decreases, refluxed gastric acid remains for a long time, causing esophagitis. Moreover, if the gastric discharge function is deteriorated and the food cannot be digested for a long time and remains in the stomach, gastric fluid may flow back. Reflux esophagitis can be prevented and treated by following proper living rules. It is as in the following.
1. Do not lie down for 3 hours after meals and do not consume food for more than 3 hours before bedtime.
2. Refrain from eating greasy food, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, soda, and cold water.
3. Avoid overeating and eat a small amount frequently. Regular meals are important.
4. If you feel that the reflux phenomenon is severe, raise the upper body of the bed and sleep.
5. Quit smoking.
As the frequency of pain caused by reflux esophagitis increases and worsens over time, you should visit the hospital immediately if you have symptoms. Also, since a proper lifestyle is very important in treating this disease, it will be most important to make good habits.