According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Director of Surgery, Phuong Dong General Hospital, smoking is a bad habit that greatly affects health, including a close relationship with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
When is it considered smoking addiction?
Tobacco addiction is defined when a person has physical and/or psychological dependence on nicotine, a addictive substance found in cigarettes. Signs of tobacco addiction include:
Strong cravings: Addicts often feel very uncomfortable if they are not allowed to smoke and have a need to smoke as soon as they wake up in the morning.
Unable to stop smoking: Unsuccessful efforts to quit smoking or feeling very difficult when trying to reduce the number of cigarettes.
Continue to smoke even though you know it's harmful: Smokers still continue to smoke even though they are clearly aware of the harmful effects of tobacco on health.
Rehab syndrome: When trying to quit smoking, addicts may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, insomnia and increased appetite.
How is smoking addiction related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
Tobacco addiction is an important risk factor in the development and worsening of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Smokers are at higher risk of GERD than non-smokers, and GERD symptoms are often more severe in these people.
Mechanism that causes smoking to increase reflux
There are many physiological and chemical mechanisms that explain the relationship between smoking and gastroesophageal reflux:
Lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (LES): Nicotine in cigarettes relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, reducing the ability to prevent acid reflux from the stomach to the esophagus.
Increase stomach acid production: Smoking stimulates stomach acid production, increasing the risk of reflux.
Decreased acid cleansing function of the esophagus: Smoking reduces the ability of the esophagus to push acid back into the stomach, leading to longer acid tolerance in the esophagus and damaging the mucous membrane.
Increased secretion of acidic saliva: Nicotine stimulates the secretion of acidic saliva, increasing the amount of acid in contact with the esophageal mucosa.
Direct irritation: Toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke can directly irritate the esophageal and stomach lining, causing damage and increasing the risk of reflux.
Reversation rate among smokers
Research shows that the GERD rate in smokers is significantly higher than in non-smokers. It is estimated that about 30-50% of smokers have GERD symptoms, which are often more severe and prolonged.
Regarding this linkage, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan recommends: quitting smoking is the most effective way to reduce the risk of gastroesophageal reflux and improve overall health. Smokers can participate in detoxification programs, seek support from family, friends or doctors. If they cannot quit immediately, they can gradually reduce the number of cigarettes. In addition, it is necessary to take care of stomach health, maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly and reduce stress.
