Bile reflux refers to the fluid from the small intestine that flows into the stomach and esophagus. Acid reflux, however, occurs when stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. Both conditions are usually linked and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish.
Bile is a digestive juice produced in the liver. Its main function is to help the body digest fat and remove toxins. The bile flows from the liver through the bile duct to the upper small intestine (duodenum), located just below the stomach. Normally, the bile cannot enter the stomach due to a one-way valve between the stomach and small intestine, called the pylorus, which opens to allow food to pass from the bottom of the stomach into the intestine. The pylorus prevents the contents of the small intestine, including bile, back to the stomach.
When the pylorus is damaged or not working properly, bile and other digestive juices in the intestine may enter the stomach and cause irritation and inflammation. Among people at high risk for bile reflux are those who eventually underwent a surgery involving the pylorus or stomach that affects the nerves that play a role in the functioning of the pylorus.
There is another valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach called the lower esophageal sphincter. Normally, this valve is opened only to let food enter the stomach and then closes tightly. When the valve relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can back up into the esophagus and it is known as acid reflux.
In cases where neither the pylorus nor lower esophageal sphincter function properly, bile and stomach acid, along with other digestive juices from the small intestine may enter the esophagus from the stomach. This condition is known as bile reflux, although juice entering the esophagus does not contain only bile.
Signs and symptoms of bile reflux and acid reflux are similar, and therefore it is difficult to distinguish between them. The main symptom is frequent heartburn either, which is a burning sensation in the chest or throat that is accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth. In some cases, bile reflux can also cause pain in the upper abdomen as a result of irritation of the stomach caused by bile.Treatment of both types of reflux usually begins with a drug that blocks acid and that, in general, belongs to a class of drugs known as inhibitors of the proton pump. These medications decrease stomach acid production, thus reducing the amount of fluid flowing irritating the esophagus. This significantly decreases the damage to the esophagus caused by reflux and usually reduces the symptoms of bile reflux and acid reflux.
In many people, an acid-blocking drug is all that is needed to effectively control acid reflux and bile. However, when symptoms persist despite the inhibitor of the proton pump, then I would recommend surgery to create a new valve in the upper stomach to prevent reflux into the esophagus.
If you have reflux symptoms, seek medical attention. If not treated this problem, over time, the consequences of bile reflux and acid reflux could be serious damage to the esophagus. In addition, bile reflux can cause stomach irritation prolonged (gastritis), which in some cases, could lead to ulcers and bleeding. When reflux is treated promptly, usually, the risk of serious complications decreases considerably.
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Tags: Acid Reflux, Bile Reflux
