EGR stands for Esophageal Gastric Reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It is a common condition where stomach acid or bile flows back up into the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
Causes of EGR:
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that acts like a valve at the bottom of the esophagus, is often weakened or relaxed, allowing stomach contents to flow back up.
Symptoms of EGR:
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Regurgitation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness
Treatment of EGR:
- Lifestyle changes:
- Losing weight
- Avoiding trigger foods (spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol)
- Eating smaller meals
- Elevating the head of the bed
- Medications:
- Antacids
- H2 blockers
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Surgery:
- In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to strengthen the LES or create a barrier to prevent reflux.
Diagnosis of EGR:
- Upper endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the esophagus to visualize the lining.
- Esophageal pH monitoring: A small probe is inserted into the esophagus to measure the amount of acid present over a 24-hour period.
Complications of EGR:
- Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus
- Barrett's esophagus: A precancerous condition
- Esophageal stricture: Narrowing of the esophagus
- Lung problems: Asthma, pneumonia
