Is there a relationship between the colon and esophageal reflux?
Both irritable bowel syndrome and GERD are very common conditions. Which may cause a person with either condition disturbing symptoms. Usually, more than one gastrointestinal disorder may occur in some people, as the disorders may affect different parts of the digestive system. So find out how much The relationship between colon and GERD And what are the best methods of treatment.
Gastroesophageal reflux and its symptoms
GERD is a common digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter. Which plays an important role in controlling the flow of food and stomach contents.
However, having this disorder leads to the rise of partially digested food or acidic gastric juices from the stomach to the esophagus instead of going down, which may cause some symptoms, the most common of which are heartburn and indigestion. Either in case Silent flashback One of the most prominent symptoms is the occurrence of hoarseness of the voice. Symptoms of reflux are:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- sore throat
- pain in chest
- Gingivitis
- Bad breath
Ignoring GERD treatment may also lead to health complications such as damage to the vocal cords, and an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder affecting the colon or large intestine. While GERD affects the upper part of the digestive system, irritable bowel syndrome often affects the lower part of the digestive system. The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are:
The relationship between colon and GERD
Several studies have found a strong relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and GERD. In one of the studies published in the International Journal of Gastroenterology, it was found that the possibility of GERD was 4 times higher in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome than in people who did not suffer from it. And about 63% of people diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome also had symptoms of GERD.
The study also reached another conclusion, which is that colon syndrome and GERD were more common in women. And the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome increase in women, especially during the menstrual period, which made the researchers conclude that hormones have a major role in the development of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Gastroesophageal Reflux
Being infected with both conditions makes all symptoms worse. As symptoms of flatulence and increased gases resulting from indigestion can lead to increased pressure on the stomach and upper part of the digestive system, which may exacerbate reflux symptoms such as heartburn, belching, and nausea.
The slow movement of the stomach may also affect both the upper and lower parts of the digestive system, thus increasing the symptoms of both colon and GERD.
On the other hand, most people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and GERD may suffer from insomnia and difficulty sleeping, with increasing bouts of abdominal pain at a greater rate than people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or GERD symptoms only.
Treatment of colon problems and esophageal reflux
After diagnosing the disease, the doctor may prescribe some types of medications in order to treat each case separately. However, antacids are often used to treat the symptoms of GERD. Anti-anxiety and anticonvulsant medications can also be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome.
Diet and lifestyle changes may also help treat both Irritable Bowel Syndrome and GERD with natural procedures and treatments. Among the most important of these procedures:
- Maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity
- Quit Smoking
- Avoid wearing tight clothes
- Chew food well and eat it slowly
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating
- Elevate the head slightly when sleeping
- Regular physical activity, such as walking
- Work on relaxation and reduce levels of anxiety and stress, such as practicing yoga or deep breathing
Diet for patients with colon and GERD
A low-carb diet is an effective treatment for IBS patients. One study, published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in 2017, indicated that about 50 to 86% of people with irritable bowel syndrome had an improvement in their symptoms when they avoided eating foods that were high in carbohydrates.
Among the therapeutic and nutritional recommendations for both colon and GERD is to follow the following:
- Avoid fatty foods and fried foods
- Avoid spicy foods, citrus fruits, and foods that may help irritate the stomach
- Avoid soft drinks and drinks containing caffeine
- Avoid eating chocolate, mint, garlic, and onions
- Avoid eating large meals and replace them with small meals several times a day
So the combination of diet recommendations for both Irritable Bowel Syndrome patients and GERD patients. It is considered the first line of defense for the success of the treatment strategy for patients who suffer from both irritable bowel syndrome and GERD together.