Obesity and Acid Reflux Disease
Obesity has devastating effects on every organ system of our body. Heart, liver and brain are the most affected organs but function of other body organs and systems is also very much disturbed by excessive weight. Digestive system remains permanently sick in obese people and they often complain of heart burn, dyspepsia, sore water coming in mouth, fullness after meals and many other issues. All these symptoms constitute acid reflux disease which means that acidic secretions of stomach regurgitate into the esophagus.
Acid reflux disease is one of the commonest problems in obesity but it should not be treated casually. Research has shown that acid reflux if persists for longer times may result in ulcers as well as chronic inflammation at gastro-esophageal junction. If this disease is not given attention in time and acid reflux goes on occurring, result in esophageal cancer with poor outcome. Acid reflux disease is particularly common in morbidly obese persons having body mass index more than 40 kilogram per meter square.
How Obesity Increases Chances of Acid Reflux?
A number of factors are responsible for acid reflux in obesity some of the common explanations are given below:
- Obese persons have more fat in the abdominal cavity that restricts normal emptying of stomach contents.
- Obesity slows down the motility of stomach and intestines that result in slow exit of food from the stomach. This is the reason, obese people feel fullness sensation after taking meal and regurgitation of acid occurs when people bends down.
- Other factor which is responsible for acid-reflux disease in obesity is reduced tone of lower esophageal sphincter. The lower esophageal sphincter present at gastro-esophageal junction normally prevents acidic secretions of stomach from coming into esophagus. When this sphincter is not tightly closed (as in case of obesity), regurgitation of acid occurs into the esophagus causing acid reflux disease.
Precautions to Avoid Acid Reflux Disease
Due to grave complications of acid reflux disease it should be treated in time otherwise risk of esophageal cancer increases. The first and foremost important measure to avoid acid reflux disease in obesity is to lose weight. Losing weight has potential benefits of curing acid reflux disease. Losing weight is particularly difficult in people who are morbidly obese. Research has shown that bariatric surgery is the most effective way of losing weight in morbid obesity. If patient is severely obese he or she should contact a dedicated bariatric surgery hospital for this important surgery.
Following very simple measures can help prevent acid reflux disease in obese people but the main issue of obesity should be dealt on priority basis. Some of the other useful measures for relieving acid reflux disease are following:
- Take small meals instead of large meals
- Reduce use of soft-drinks, spices, roasted dishes, coffee, tea and alcohol
- A patient having acid reflux disease should take his dinner at least 3 hours before sleeping
- Avoid tight dressing especially around abdomen and chest
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