The esophagus feels hot and spicy_The esophagus feels hot and spicy

The esophagus is the place where food must pass through the human body. Diseases related to the esophagus are uncommon in daily life, but serious ones include esophageal cancer, esophagitis, etc. Although diseases related to the esophagus are uncommon, it does not mean that they do not occur. Sometimes you may feel a burning pain in your esophagus, which is a symptom of esophageal "disease". So what is going on?

What causes a burning sensation in the esophagus?

This condition is a typical reflux esophagitis, an inflammatory lesion of the esophagus caused by the reflux of gastric and duodenal contents into the esophagus. Endoscopic manifestations include damage to the esophageal mucosa, namely esophageal erosion and/or esophageal ulcer. In addition to causing complications such as esophageal stenosis, bleeding, and ulcers, the refluxed gastric juice can also invade the pharynx, vocal cords, and trachea, causing chronic pharyngitis, chronic laryngitis, and tracheitis. You can take omeprazole, colloidal bismuth pectin, gastritis granules and other drugs orally for treatment. Do not drink alcohol and eat less spicy and irritating foods.

The principle of treatment is to reduce the reflux of gastric contents, reduce the irritation of refluxed materials, and improve the function of the lower esophageal sphincter.

(1) Reduce reflux: Since reflux is more likely to occur at night when the patient is in a horizontal position with the head low and the feet high, the head of the bed should be raised so that there is an inclined slope from the head to the foot of the bed. This way, even if reflux occurs, it can be eliminated quickly. Advise the patient not to eat before bedtime, and the interval between dinner and bedtime should be extended to more than 3 hours. Have the patient sit in an upright position or take a walk after each meal to allow gravity to help promote food emptying. In addition, avoid eating irritating foods and avoid strenuous exercise.

(2) Reduce the irritation of reflux: To reduce the irritation of reflux, you can take drugs such as cimetidine and ranitidine, which can inhibit and reduce gastric acid secretion. You can also use Losec 20 mg once a night. You can also take 10 ml of aluminum hydroxide gel orally 3 times a day to reduce the irritation of gastric acid.

(3) Improve the function of the lower esophageal sphincter: Taking metoclopramide or metoclopramide 15 to 30 minutes before meals can increase the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, accelerate gastric emptying, and reduce reflux. Cisapride (Cespside), a new gastrointestinal motility drug, can also be used.

(4) Eating more light foods can reduce the chance of reflux, while foods that are significantly irritating to the gastric mucosa may increase the secretion of gastric juice, causing a significant increase in the main reflux products such as gastric acid in the stomach. Therefore, you should avoid eating irritating foods, or eat less foods that delay gastric emptying, and eat more light, soft and easily digestible foods.

(5) It is best not to eat before going to bed. The interval between dinner and going to bed should be extended to more than 3 hours. After a meal, you should sit in an upright position or take a walk, but avoid strenuous exercise. Reflux usually occurs more often at night, so the head of the bed should be raised so that there is an inclined slope from the head to the foot of the bed, so that even if reflux occurs, it can be eliminated quickly.

(6) General care: The prognosis of this disease is generally good. Nurses should help patients understand the disease and make them pay attention to their diet and living habits in their daily lives. To reduce recurrence and alleviate symptoms.

During the diagnosis of this disease, some laboratory tests are sometimes needed. These tests have strict requirements, such as esophageal pH measurement, discontinuation of all medications 48 hours before the test, and eating a test meal on the same day. In addition to understanding the purpose, methods, and precautions of all examinations, nurses should also make patients understand the significance and requirements of the examinations in order to gain their cooperation.