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Tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

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posted on 2024-10-30, 15:07 authored by Eivind Ness-JensenEivind Ness-Jensen, Jesper LagergrenJesper Lagergren
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) develops when reflux of gastric content causes troublesome symptoms or complications. The main symptoms are heartburn and acid regurgitation and complications include oesophagitis, strictures, Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma. In addition to hereditary influence, GORD is associated with lifestyle factors, mainly obesity. Tobacco smoking is regarded as an aetiological factor of GORD, while alcohol consumption is considered a triggering factor of reflux episodes and not a causal factor. Yet, both tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption can reduce the lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, facilitating reflux. In addition, tobacco smoking reduces the production of saliva rich in bicarbonate, which is important for buffering and clearance of acid in the oesophagus. Alcohol also has a direct noxious effect on the oesophageal mucosa, which predisposes to acidic injury. Tobacco smoking cessation reduces the risk of GORD symptoms and avoidance of alcohol is encouraged in individuals where alcohol consumption triggers reflux.

History

File version

  • Accepted manuscript

Publication status

Published

Sub type

Review

Journal

Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol

ISSN

1521-6918

eISSN

1532-1916

Volume

31

Issue

5

Language

  • eng

Original self archiving date

2018-01-08

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