Common stomach condition often misdiagnosed
Print Edition
HEARTBURN, nausea and bad breath are classic symptoms of poor digestion. Specifically, these could be signs of a disease called gastroesophageal reflux, or acid reflux.
This is a condition in which the acidified liquid content of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. It is usually caused by the opening of the junction between the stomach and the esophagus.
This condition affects between 10 and 20 percent of the population in the West. In China, however, the disease is often misidentified, although diagnosed cases have risen steadily over recent years.
Heartburn is the most typical symptom of acid reflux. It is characterized by a burning sensation in the center of the chest. This feeling may also run up into the throat as stomach acid makes its way to the esophagus.
There are many other symptoms of acid reflux though. In China, these symptoms send many patients to general practitioners or ear-nose-and-throat doctors for help. But due to poor awareness among the public, and even among doctors, there is a high chance of misdiagnosis in clinical practice.
Many people are not familiar with the symptoms of acid reflux and so seek help from the wrong type of specialist, said Dr Wang Zhonghao, a leading medical expert. Wang has suffered from acid reflux himself, and knows what it’s like to be misdiagnosed.
Wang started to experience coughing and runny nose in 2003 and was diagnosed as having allergic nasitis. After receiving treatment for this disease, his symptoms worsened and he was then diagnosed with asthma. When his symptoms flared up, he experienced difficulty breathing. These bouts led to multiple emergency room visits.
Wang’s symptoms caught the attention of a foreign doctor during a medical conference in 2005. It was then that he was told he might suffer from acid reflux.
Since there was no minimally invasive surgical treatment for acid reflux sufferers in China at that time, Wang went to the United States for surgery in 2006. He later set up the first acid reflux treatment center in the Chinese mainland in 2007.
“I experienced all the pain and suffering of the disease. I’m very eager to share my experience when it comes to helping patients,” he said.
After setting up several treatment centers in the mainland, Wang cooperated with Shanghai Gongli Hospital in Pudong New Area on a comprehensive acid reflux treatment center. This is also the only center equipped to handle acid reflux surgery in the city.
“Many people suffer long-term breathing problems, throat pain and chest pain and don’t get better through treatment. They can try the acid reflux center for diagnosis and many of them are confirmed with the disease after their first visit,” said Dr Shi Yihai, director of Gongli Hospital’s digestive disease department and the head of its acid reflux center. “The center has a multidisciplinary team consisting of doctors from different departments for group consultation. Acid reflux is a treatable disease.”
In many cases, acid refulx can be treated through life-style changes, diet, medication and surgery, doctors said.
“There are many causes of acid reflux, like certain physical conditions, obesity, pregnancy and tight-fitting apparel. There are many life habits that can trigger acid reflux,” said Dr Shen Zhenhe from Shanghai Ren’ai Hospital. “Fast-paced life, irregular eating and stress can cause the disease. Early and appropriate treatment is important, as long-term damage to the esophageal mucosa can cause chronic injury and lead to cancerous change.
“If a person eats too much food, this can trigger heartburn. Eating on the go also can increase the risk. Dropping food intake and eating slowly can drop the risk,” Shen said. “High-fat foods take longer to digest in the stomach. And the longer foods stay in stomach, the bigger the risk of heartburn. Drinking strong teas and coffee also can increase the risk.”
Eating less, choosing a low-fat diet, limiting acidic and spicy foods are effective measure.
“Don’t eat too late and don’t eat midnight snacks — these are important steps. Don’t lie on the bed or bow after supper, and not do physical exercise right after eating.”
In addition to proper dieting, elevating the head in bed is also useful.
If lifestyle changes doesn’t work, doctors can prescribe drug treatment or suggest surgery. Traditional Chinese medicines, acupuncture and massage can also relieve discomfort.
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