MEXICO CITY (EFE).—At least 40% of the Mexican adult population suffers from gastroesophageal reflux, according to figures from the Undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion, a disease that, if not treated properly, can lead to cancer, warned specialist Marco Antonio Gordillo Morath yesterday.
“Gastroesophageal reflux represents an increasingly common challenge for the digestive health of the Mexican population. It is becoming more common to diagnose patients with reflux and it is even estimated that the incidence rate will double in the coming years,” said the expert in endoscopic and gastrointestinal surgery at a press conference.
In addition, he added, the presence of additional medical conditions such as systemic sclerosis, diabetes mellitus and smoking can increase the risk of developing this condition.
The specialist explained that gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach acid regularly flows into the esophagus, causing irritation to its lining and manifesting in symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation and chest pain.
The main symptoms include heartburn, a burning sensation in the middle and upper chest, regurgitation, the return of food from the esophagus to the mouth, and dysphagia, difficulty swallowing.
The expert said patients with reflux can be diagnosed by measuring esophageal pH or detecting lesions or esophagitis.
According to some studies, he said, 70% of patients do not have lesions in the esophagus, but if the condition is not treated promptly it can seriously affect this area and even lead to esophageal cancer.
He therefore stressed the importance of using precise diagnostic techniques to identify reflux early and offer appropriate treatment to patients.
In this sense, endoscopy is positioned as a fundamental tool that allows direct visualization of the state of the esophagus and detection of possible complications associated with reflux.
“The use of endoscopy is expected to increase in Mexico to identify and evaluate the degree of esophageal damage caused by reflux,” said Gordillo Morath.
He explained that “this growth will be due, in part, to the increase in demand for specialized medical care and the greater availability of equipment and professionals trained in this technique.”
To effectively address the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux, he said, it is essential to have specialized and high-quality medical centers.
“A multidisciplinary approach and cutting-edge technology allow us to offer comprehensive care to patients with gastrointestinal diseases, including the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux,” he said.
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2024-07-08 16:57:10