This is a condition where material
from the stomach flows back into the esophagus, only to be swept
back down into the stomach. Reflux can cause pain ranging from low
levels of discomfort to extreme suffering depending on the amount
of partially digested food making its way back into the
esophagus.
The symptoms are heartburn and a moving burning
sensation under the breastbone made worse by bending or lying down
which can usually be relieved by an antacid tablet. Sometimes
suffers have a red and swollen membrane at the base of the
esophagus, due to the irritation from the hydrochloric acid of the
stomach.
The most effective treatment is hourly use of antacid
medication, raising the head of the bed for sleeping and weight
loss, which is particularly important with overweight patients.
The normal function of the muscle which separates the
esophagus and stomach will naturally weaken due to old age and so
reflux becomes more painful in elderly people. The problem can be
corrected surgically, but this is usually only performed in severe
cases.
