A large number of people are wondering if the cardia does not close completely - what is it and why does it happen. This disease, which is called insufficiency (chalazia) of the cardia of the stomach, causes disturbances in the motor function of the digestive tract. Often in the early stages of development, the patient does not take the symptoms of this disease seriously and resorts to self-medication. Such behavior can lead to a chronic form of the disease and the emergence of dangerous pathological processes. This article will talk about the causes and symptoms of this disease.
Functions of the cardia
The sphincter of the cardia separates the esophagus from the stomach and prevents the return of stomach contents and digestive juices back into the esophagus. In situations where the cardia of the stomach does not close completely, the gastric contents can cause damage to the mucous membrane of this part of the digestive canal.
Inflammation in the esophagus for a long time contributes to the development of certain diseases. Lack of timely treatment can lead to the development of esophageal cancer.
Symptoms and stages of the disease
When the cardia does not close completely, what is it and what are the symptoms of this disease? This question interests many people who are faced with this problem.
Usually, with the development of cardiac valve insufficiency, patients are concerned about the following symptoms:
- A burning sensation in the esophagus that is located behind the sternum and under the obvious process.
- Presence of nausea, in some cases vomiting.
- Reverse exit of air from the stomach or esophagus, belching of sour contents.
If irritation of the vagus nerve occurs, in the case when the cardia does not close completely in the esophagus, sensations of weakness and headache may appear.
There are three stages of this disease:
- The muscles of the sphincter of the cardia retain their mobility. There is a slight gaping of the hole, from the characteristic symptoms there is only a burp of air without any aftertaste.
- The sphincter almost loses its mobility, the valve closes the hole only half way.
- The sphincter is completely immobile, the opening resembles a gaping hole. There are signs of inflammation, erosion, ulcers.
Cardia does not close completely: what is it (reasons)
The development of chalazia cardia can be triggered by certain factors and diseases.
- The main cause of all pathologies of the digestive system is an unbalanced diet: overeating, drinking soda, sour fruits, drinks based onalcohol, strong tea or coffee in unlimited quantities. There is an opinion that citrus fruits, tomatoes and chocolate most contribute to the fact that the cardia does not close completely. At the same time, the esophagus and its mucosa experience additional stress, there are disturbances in the digestive system.
- Sedentary lifestyle. With a lack of physical activity, the muscles of the thoracic spine may undergo atrophy over time. Partial displacement of organs, which occurs under the influence of this process, serves as an impetus that provokes the development of cardia insufficiency.
- Overweight people are also often interested in whether the cardia does not close completely - what does it mean.
- Cardiac valve insufficiency sometimes develops against the background of certain stomach diseases.
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure caused by pregnancy, heavy physical exertion, wearing tight clothing is also a symptom of this disease.
Treatments
In cases where the cardia does not close completely (what it is, a gastroenterologist can explain in an accessible way), treatment should be carried out immediately. His choice depends on the severity and intensity of symptoms, the presence of complications.
The main goals of this course of therapy are:
- Elimination of the course of the disease that provokes the pathological process in the esophageal sphincter.
- Lower intra-abdominal pressure.
- Combating symptoms, manifestationwhich makes patients look for an answer to the question of if the cardia does not close completely, how to treat this disease.
- Establishing the normal functioning of the esophageal sphincter.
To address these issues, your doctor may prescribe certain medications, a special diet, or behavioral therapy. Obese people will need to lose extra pounds.
Therapeutic diet
Diet in the treatment of cardia insufficiency is based on a fractional meal. In order to reduce the pressure inside the stomach, it is recommended to eat small portions of food. Experts advise eating at least 4 times a day.
In order not to irritate the esophageal mucosa, it is recommended to exclude certain foods from the diet.
- Alcohol-based drinks.
- Marinades, pickles, smoked meats.
- Semi-finished products and sausages.
- Carbonated drinks.
- Strong coffee and tea.
When following a diet that promotes the cardia to close completely, the esophagus is free to pass, it is recommended not to eat food in a very hot or cold state.
Drug Therapy
In cases where the socket of the cardia does not close completely, the treatment is prescribed by the doctor according to the course of the diagnosed disease. Very often the cause of the development of cardia insufficiencyis gastritis. In such cases, specialists prescribe drugs that reduce the aggressiveness of the contents of the stomach:
- Drugs that slow gastric secretion.
- Preparations that neutralize hyperacidity.
- Film-forming drugs.
- Medicines that stimulate mucus formation.
At the initial stage of cardia insufficiency, the course of treatment can be aimed at relieving and alleviating the symptoms of the disease.
Currently, drugs that can stimulate the motility of the gastrointestinal tract are gaining popularity. They are called prokinetics.
In cases of detection of an infection, antibiotics are also included in the course of treatment of this disease.
The identification of concomitant diseases and the study of a detailed history allow specialists to choose an individual course of treatment for each patient. There are cases (lack of an effective result of treatment, hernia of the esophageal opening) when it is not possible to avoid surgical intervention.
Lifestyle
To ensure that the esophagus is free to pass, the cardia closes completely, certain rules should be followed:
- It is not advised to abuse physical activity and bend over sharply, especially after eating.
- Don't wear tight, tight-fitting clothes, tight belts and girdles.
- Immediately after dinner you should not go to bed, it will be good to move a little.
- It is recommended to sleep with the head end of the bed raised.
- It is advised to eat at least three hours before bedtime.
Treatment with folk remedies
In the treatment of chalazia cardia, traditional medicine is often used. You can resort to them only after consulting a specialist.
This disease can be defeated in the following ways:
- Before meals, it is advised to drink half a glass of decoction from the root of marsh calamus.
- Dandelion flowers should be rubbed with sugar. The resulting syrup must be dissolved in half a glass of water and taken orally.
- An effective remedy in the treatment of cardia insufficiency is a decoction of cumin.
- Before eating, it is advised to drink psyllium juice obtained from fresh leaves of the plant
- Licorice root syrup has enveloping properties
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are now very common. Initial, non-troubling symptoms from different parts of the digestive system should be the reason for an immediate visit to a specialist. This step will allow you to identify the pathology in its initial stage, start the course of treatment on time, and avoid unpleasant consequences.
