Insufficiency of the cardia of the stomach: what is it, how to treat, symptoms

general information

Insufficiency of the cardia of the stomach - this is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by a malfunction cardia, a kind of valve that regulates the passage of food from the esophagus to the stomach, preventing it from moving backwards.

This problem occurs for a variety of pathological reasons, and in either case, the cardia can no longer contract sufficiently to avoid elevation of acidic gastric contents to the esophagus. Failure of the cardia is manifested by characteristic symptoms, for example, chest pain, persistent cough, regurgitation, chest pain and excessive salivation.

What is cardiac insufficiency of the stomach?

Insufficiency of the cardia of the stomach is a pathological condition that affects the cardia.

Typically, this type of valve has the task of transporting swallowed food from the esophagus to the stomach, preventing it from returning. In case of insufficiency of the cardia, this mechanism fails and regurgitation of gastric material occurs. This phenomenon causes heartburn, i.e. sensation burning in the chest area cells caused by irritation of the esophageal wall.

What is Cardia?

Cardia (# 6) is a structure gastrointestinal tractlocated in the upper abdomen, between the bottom of the stomach and end of the esophagus. Cardia has the shape rings, inside there is a passage between the mucous membrane of the esophagus and the mucous membrane that forms stomach acid barrier.

Typically, the cardia is closed and only opens when food is swallowed, preventing acidic stomach contents from entering the esophagus. From a practical point of view: the cardia expands during meals, so the food bolus has time to penetrate the stomach; however, when food enters the stomach, the sphincter contracts to prevent gastric juices from entering the esophagus.

Causes and risk factors

Insufficiency of the cardia of the stomach can occur for various reasons against the background:

• inappropriate nutrition, overeating;
• excess weight;
• gastritis or ulcerative lesions of the stomach and intestines;
• insufficient physical activity;
• spasms of the doorkeeper;
• increased pressure in the abdomen associated with pregnancy or ascites;
• increased intragastric pressure;
• surgical intervention on the sphincter area;
• heavy physical labor;
• grasping hernia (hiatal hernia);
• a sedentary lifestyle.

Lack of cardia of the stomach is formed as a result of the fact that the sphincter loses its ability to protect the esophagus from the ingress of contents from the stomach. The food bolus is delivered under slight pressure. However, if it is significantly higher, as in pregnancy or ascites, then the throwing will be almost constant.

The main factor of development insufficiency of the cardia is considered to be a violation of the work of smooth muscles, which is located in the diaphragmatic region. This phenomenon is usually observed when chronic pancreatitis, obesity, inflammatory process in the stomach or overeating. A hiatal hernia can also lead to a weakening of the cardia.

Symptoms and complications of gastric insufficiency

As with most pathologies, symptoms and signs of cardia insufficiency are divided into general and local.

Local symptoms are:

• heartburn (constant or periodic, depending on the stage of the disease), nausea and vomiting may appear;
• due to irritation of the esophagus, a constant burning sensation is felt behind the sternum, which forms the desire to drink water and reduce the sensation;
• characteristic belching air and gastric contents;
• sour taste in the mouth, unpleasant odor of a different nature (depending on the food eaten);
• plaque on the tongue.

This pathology is not paramount and most often accompanies gastritis, hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm and other pathologies of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, which are also the main cause of cardia insufficiency.

Common symptoms include:

• weakness;
• apathy;
• lethargy;
• irritability;
• decreased activity and performance.

All these symptoms are formed against the background of dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.

Possible complications

Insufficiency of the cardia of the stomach tends to gradually worsen and is one of the possible causes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Other possible consequences of long-term gastric insufficiency include:

• reflux esophagitis;
• peptic ulcer of the esophagus;
• esophageal stenosis;
• perforation of the esophagus.

In the most serious cases, a patient suffering from gastric insufficiency may also suffer from pharyngitis, dysphonia (voice disorder), laryngitis, pneumonia and bronchitis.

Diagnostics

When diagnosing cardia insufficiency, preference is given to endoscopic examination methods.

1. One of the main diagnostic methods is gastroscopy / fibrogastroscopy / esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It allows you to investigate the state of the esophageal mucosa, to detect the altered surface of the esophagus. Also, the method allows you to identify and establish the degree of sphincter failure, and to detect the prolapse of the gastric mucosa into the esophagus.
2. For the purpose of diagnosis, an X-ray examination can also be used, which made it possible to identify the presence of gastroesophageal reflux.
3. A method that complements the above studies is pH metering. pH-metry is necessary to determine the acidity of the esophagus and its assessment, as well as to confirm gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Treatment of insufficiency of the cardia of the stomach

Treatment of insufficiency of the cardia of the stomach consists not only in the appointment of drugs, but also in the desire and willingness of the patient to help himself. As mentioned above, cardia insufficiency is only an addition to the underlying disease, therefore, first of all, the specialist begins to treat the basic problem of the digestive system.

If the patient is overweight and obese, then it is imperative to lose weight, as this will significantly reduce intra-abdominal pressure and the load on the digestive sphincter.

It is also worth quitting smoking, drinking alcoholic and carbonated drinks. This will largely remove the irritating effect of aggressive substances on the esophageal mucosa.

A strict diet must be followed, including foods are easily digestible and quickly digestibleto relieve stomach (rice, bananas, applesauce, salmon, gelatin). It is also necessary get rid of the habit of eating at night, and it is best to completely change your lifestyle. The basis of the new regime should be regular exercise, separate meals and personal care. It is necessary to get rid of tight clothing: tight belts, belts and corsets.

Of the drugs, the following groups of drugs can be used:

• antacids * "Almagel", "Alumag", "Gastracid", "Palmagel");
• proton pump inhibitors;
• histamine receptor blockers and antispasmodics.

Other medications can also be used, the spectrum of which is determined by the doctor after examining the patient.

Prophylaxis

In order to prevent the occurrence of cardia insufficiency, it is necessary to quit smoking, not to abuse alcohol and carbonated drinks, add vegetables and fruits to the diet.

It is also recommended to avoid stress, do not neglect proper sleep and rest. It is also important to treat systematic pathologies and disorders in a timely manner, regularly undergo complex medical examination, because the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the easier and faster it will be cure.