Causes, diagnostics and modern therapies
Heartburn is an unpleasant everyday companion for many people. If the burning sensation behind the breastbone occurs more frequently, this could be an indication of reflux, i.e. the backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus. Chronic reflux can not only affect everyday life, but can also lead to serious complications such as inflammation or changes in the oesophagus if left untreated.
In this article, you will learn more about the causes, diagnostic options and modern treatment approaches - including innovative, minimally invasive procedures.
What causes reflux and heartburn?
Reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weakened or the pressure in the abdomen is increased. This allows stomach acid to rise into the esophagus and irritate the mucous membrane. Common causes and aggravating factors are
- Diet: fatty, acidic or spicy foods as well as chocolate, alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Weight: Being overweight increases the pressure on the stomach.
- Smoking: Weakens the LES and increases stomach acid production.
- Sleeping position: Lying flat after eating promotes reflux.
- Stress: Can impair digestion and indirectly trigger heartburn.
In many cases, a healthy lifestyle with an adapted diet, weight reduction and avoiding foods that trigger heartburn can already bring about an improvement.
Diagnostic options: Get to the bottom of it
If conservative measures are not enough or heartburn becomes chronic, special examinations are required. Dr. Stefan Schlosser, gastroenterologist in Bern, explains:
"In our practice, we offer precise diagnostic procedures to determine the exact cause of the symptoms. A classic method is pH-metry, in which we measure the acidity in the oesophagus over 24 hours. Alternatively, we use capsule pH-metry, which does not require a catheter and records the acidity over several days. An endoscopy is also useful to detect possible damage such as inflammation or Barrett's oesophagus."
Treatment: from medication to innovative interventions
The treatment of reflux depends on the severity of the disease and the individual needs of the patient.
1. Lifestyle and medication
In many cases, lifestyle adjustments and medication are sufficient:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPI): effectively reduce stomach acid production.
- Dietary changes: Smaller meals, avoidance of triggers such as alcohol and chocolate.
- Weight loss: Losing just a few kilos can significantly alleviate symptoms.
2. Minimally invasive endoscopic therapies
If conservative measures are not effective enough, there are modern procedures that avoid surgery:
- Transoral fundoplication (TIF): this involves strengthening the lower sphincter muscle endoscopically by folding the entrance to the stomach. The procedure is minimally invasive, involves no external incisions and has a short recovery time.
- Anti-reflux mucosectomy (ARMS): This involves the targeted removal of part of the mucosa in order to improve the barrier function of the stomach entrance. This method is also endoscopic and is particularly suitable for mild cases of reflux.
"These procedures are ideal for patients who do not respond adequately to medication or want to manage without medication in the long term," explains Dr. Schlosser. "The minimally invasive procedures offer a good balance between effectiveness and protection of the body." However, careful clarification of the symptoms, consideration of contraindications and detailed patient information are essential to enable individually tailored treatment.
When is clarification necessary?
Heartburn may seem harmless, but professional clarification is important if the symptoms recur. Pay particular attention to warning signs such as
- Chronic cough or hoarseness.
- Pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing.
- Unintentional weight loss.
Early diagnosis enables targeted treatment and prevents possible complications.
Our practice in Bern specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of reflux and heartburn. With a combination of state-of-the-art technology and individually tailored treatment options, we ensure that you can enjoy your everyday life again without any worries.
Contact us for a consultation or an appointment andwe will help you find the best solution for your symptoms!