Cases of acid reflux on the increase |18 January 2020

While acid reflux is a common problem in Seychelles, it has been observed by Dr Murthy Pillay that such cases are increasing at his practice, predominantly in males and in those of middle age. Further observation and investigations indicate that life and diet styles have a major role to play in many of these cases.

Dr Murthy is a local gastroenterologist (specialist in digestive diseases) and founder of Dr Murthy’s Medical & Gastro Clinic.

Speaking to Seychelles NATION in an interview, Dr Murthy explains that acid reflux, also known as ‘lestoman brile’ locally, is a condition which involves excess stomach acid coming back into the food pipe and causing a burning, painful sensation in the lower chest area.

The gastroesophageal sphincter, as shown in the accompanying image, allows food into the stomach but not back into the esophagus, and it is when it fails to do this that a person will have symptoms of acid reflux.

Dr Murthy says there are a number of common risk factors that can trigger acid reflux. These include:

-           Irregular eating times

-           Late night meals

-           Lying down or sleeping immediately after the last meal of the day (we are advised to eat our last meal at least 3 or 4 hours before lying down / sleeping)

-           Obesity

-           Consumption of alcohol and smoking

-           Food & dietary habits: high intake of table salt, low fibre diet, having large meals, spicy foods, chili, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, acidic juices, tomatoes, chocolate, oily fried foods, caffeine, whole milk (lower fat milk and food is advised)

-           Stress and anxiety

Treatment for those with acid reflux is advised based on the root cause of the problem, says Dr Murthy. Some patients are advised to simply change their dietary habits and lifestyles, including:

-           Eating a healthy, balanced diet

-           Eating on time and at the same times, as much as possible

-           Avoid skipping meals or at least have small, frequent meals

-           Exercising on a regular basis / losing weight if overweight or obese

-           Improving posture such as head elevation while sleeping

-           Avoid tight clothing

-           Stop smoking and taking alcohol in excess

-           Avoid stress

Acid suppressing drugs / over-the-counter treatments such as antacids and alginate drugs like Gaviscon can also be prescribed and used by patients when necessary.  

There are also tablets known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) which can help to block acid secretion, including Omeprazole.

If the problem persists or other alarming symptoms are present, there may be a need for further investigation through an endoscopy. Such symptoms include problems swallowing, vomiting blood, pain when eating, losing weight and loss of appetite.

If acid reflux continues, it can cause inflammation and ulceration in the lower esophagus – a condition known as Esophagitis. In some patients, persistent acid reflux can cause changes to cells and tissue linings in the esophagus which can in turn potentially develop into cancer cells – this condition is known as Barrett’s esophagus. At this stage, the patient needs to be monitored and biopsies will need to be conducted to rule out any malignancies.  

For more information, contact Dr Murthy’s Medical & Gastro Clinic:

-           Address: Lodge Street, Victoria, Mahé

-           Telephone: +248 4224 290

-           Email: murthypillay@hotmail.com

-           Website: drmurthysclinic.com

F.P.