GI Associates: Looking at Gastrointestinal Reflux

Everyone has heartburn every once in a while. But do you really know what heartburn is or why you might be getting it? Gastrointestinal reflux, or heartburn, is one of the most common of gastrointestinal problems and happens when the gastric juices back up into the esophagus, the reverse of what happens during the normal digestive process. During the normal digestive process, a valve-like structure known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens to let food into the stomach and then closes to keep the food and stomach acid from going back up into the esophagus. Most often, gastrointestinal reflux occurs when the LES fails to function properly allowing the food and acid to creep up into the esophagus creating the burning sensation. This burning pain usually occurs about 20-30 minutes after eating, especially after a heavy or spicy meal.


While many people may be able to just cut back on smoking, drinking or eating the foods that cause discomfort others may have to avoid them entirely. If you experience gastrointestinal reflux you might find that cutting back or avoiding these foods helps:
Fatty, greasy and fried foods

• Chocolate
• Citrus drinks (especially orange and grapefruit)
• Tomato products
• Spearmint or peppermint
• Alcohol
• Coffee

Failure of the LES to open or close effectively is just one of several underlying causes of reflux. There could be irritation in the gastrointestinal tissues, or abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract. It is important to visit your gastroenterologist to make sure there are no other problems and to find a medication to help treat and prevent gastrointestinal reflux. It is especially important to visit your gastroenterologist if you have frequent or chronic reflux because not only can this cause extreme discomfort, but it can also cause tissue damage to the esophagus.

While gastrointestinal reflux may seem relatively harmless, it is important to see a gastrointestinal specialist to make sure that your symptoms are not being caused by something more serious. Peptic ulcer disease has similar symptoms and while these ulcers are not normally dangerous, they are very painful and can occasionally be cancerous. One in ten Americans will have an ulcer at some point in their life and most ulcers tend to occur between the ages of 20 and 50. There is no set pattern for symptoms. You could just experience heartburn and indigestion, or you could also experience a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea or constipation could also occur. These ulcers occur in the lining of any part of the gastrointestinal tract and have a tendency to return so it is important to keep your gastroenterologist up to date on any occurrences or problems. A detailed history of your reflux can help your gastroenterologist determine what the diagnosis is and what treatments are best for you.