Bile reflux happens when the bile which is a digestive liquid that is produced in the liver, backs up into the stomach and esophagus which is the tube connecting the mouth and the stomach. Bile reflux goes together with acid reflux or heartburn where the stomach acid goes back into the esophagus.
Symptoms of bile reflux
- Frequent heartburn which is a burning sensation that is felt in the chest that can sometimes spreads to the throat, along with a sour taste in the mouth.
- Upper abdominal pain that can become severe
- Nausea and vomiting greenish-yellow fluid which is coming from the bile
- Coughing or hoarseness
- Loss of weight
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Causes of bile reflux
Bile is a greenish-yellow fluid that is important for digesting fats and for the elimination of worn out red blood cells and some toxins in the body. Bile is produced in the liver and it is stored in the gallbladder.
By eating meals that contains a small amount of fat; it will cause the gallbladder to release bile that will flow through small tubes which are the cystic duct and common bile duct and goes into the upper portion of the small intestines or the duodenum.
Bile reflux can be caused by the following:
- A peptic ulcer that blocks the pyloric valve that does not open to allow the stomach to empty as quickly as it should and foods that are stagnant in the stomach can cause increased gastric pressure that causes reflux of bile and stomach acid into the esophagus.
- Complications of surgery that cause damage to the pyloric valve like gastric surgery that involves the total removal of the stomach or gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery for weight loss.
- People who had cholecystectomy which is the removal of the gallbladder.
Treatment and home remedies
- Eating frequent smaller meals will minimize pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter that helps in preventing the valve from opening at the wrong time.
- Minimize smoking since it causes an increase in the production of stomach acids and dries the saliva which helps in protecting the esophagus.
- After eating a meal, wait at least two to three hours before lying down to allow the stomach to empty.
- Eating high-fat meals relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and slows down the rate of foods that leaves the stomach.
- Avoid eating foods that causes an increase in the production of stomach acid and relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter like caffeinated and carbonated drinks, chocolates, citrus fruits and their juices, dressings that are vinegar-based, onions, spicy foods and mints.
- Minimize alcohol since drinking of alcohol can cause irritation of the esophagus.
- If overweight, lose some weight. Excess weight puts added pressure on the stomach.
- When sleeping in bed, raise the upper portion of the body at least four to six inches high in order to prevent reflux symptoms.
- Avoid being stressed out.