"Gastro-esophageal reflux disease characterized by heartburn and regurgitation is increasing commonly in Pakistani population. This is a direct reflection of sedentary life style coupled with consumption of heavy spicy oily food, pizzas, burgers and unlimited food eating in ceremonies. All these may result in severe symptomatic reflux disease compromising the quality of life and may even cause cancer," said Dr. Shahab Abid, Associate Professor and Consultant Gastroenterologist at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). He was giving presentation on Gastro-esophageal reflux disease a common disease with potentially serious outcomes entitled "Heartburn and Reflux are Potentially Dangerous" at 'Signs, Symptoms and Care', a monthly health awareness programme on March 26, 2004 in Hyderabad.
Reviewing the various manifestations of reflux disease that are easily preventable, Dr. Abid listed chest pain, adult onset asthma, dental caries among the common features beside heartburn and regurgitation. Reflux disease can also cause esophageal and throat cancer manifested as difficulty in swallowing and hoarseness of voice.
Dr. Abid who is among a handful of trained infectious disease consultants in the country, recommended several measures for reducing the burden of reflux disease in Pakistani population. Avoiding oily and spicy food, abstinence from smoking, coffee, chocolate carbonated drinks and chewing gum, regular exercise and a watch on weight will help greatly in reducing the symptoms of reflux.
Diagnosis of reflux disease can be made easily on clinical grounds. However in certain situations sophisticated tests like barium swallow, endoscopy, 24hrs pH monitoring and manometry are used. These tests are useful for evaluation of patient's symptoms and extent of damage to the food pipe and throat caused by reflux. He practically demonstrated the usefulness of pH monitoring system for the diagnosis of reflux symptoms and in the treatment.
Dr. Abid also showed endoscopic pictures demonstrating the transformation of inner lining of food pipe from normal appearance to ulceration leading to bleeding and cancer.
Dr. Abid laid great stress on the life style changes, avoiding food causing reflux symptoms and not to go to bed for at least two hours after taking meals, especially dinner. He also pointed out that in majority of patients, life style changes along with elevating the head end of the bed and the use of simple antacid are sufficient to control the symptoms. However, in some patients acid lowering and motility agents are used for the treatment of reflux. Dr. Abid also explained the mechanism of action, safety profile and efficacy of these agents for the treatment of reflux disease.
Aga Khan University Hospital provides high quality services to all segments of the population. Over 70% of the patients come from low to middle income areas. Since the inception of the Hospital's Patient Welfare Programme in 1986, Rs. 0.9 billion has been spent benefiting over 175,000 needy patients. In addition, 'The Patients Behbud Society for AKUH' receives zakat contributions and disburses to the 'mustahaqeen'.
