Bile reflux can cause stomach inflammation and discomfort, often presenting with acid reflux. Treatment involves medication or surgery to prevent further damage to the upper digestive system. Diagnostic tests are needed to evaluate the condition, and symptoms should not be ignored due to the risk of complications. Medications can help relieve symptoms, and severe cases may require surgery.
Bile reflux is a potentially serious condition that occurs when bile flow within the upper digestive system becomes impaired. Often presenting with acid reflux, bile reflux symptoms cause stomach inflammation and discomfort. Treatment usually involves giving medications to relieve symptoms. Severe presentations of bile reflux may require surgery to prevent further damage to the upper digestive system.
To aid in digestion, the liver produces an acidic substance known as bile, which remains in the gallbladder until it is needed to break down digested food. The pyloric valve, located between the bile duct and duodenum, serves as the major tributary that controls bile flow into the upper digestive system. When the pyloric valve malfunctions, the resulting backflow of excess bile can cause inflammation of the stomach. If bile withdrawal is sufficient and the esophageal sphincter is not functioning properly, inflammation and erosion of the esophagus can also occur. In most cases, people who have had surgery on their gastrointestinal tract or have been diagnosed with a peptic ulcer are significantly more likely to develop bile reflux.
Symptomatic individuals will generally receive a diagnosis of bile reflux following the administration of thorough diagnostic tests. Imaging tests, including an endoscopy, are usually employed to evaluate the condition of one’s upper digestive system by checking for signs of inflammation and ulceration. Because of the associated risk of esophageal cancer, tissue samples from the esophagus may also be taken to check for markers indicative of malignancy.
Individuals with this condition will often experience patterned signs and symptoms that can easily be mistaken for those associated with acid reflux. Usually, someone with bile reflux will experience abdominal discomfort accompanied by recurring episodes of heartburn. Some individuals may develop feelings of nausea or show hoarseness. Due to the unpleasantness of the symptoms, individuals may even change their eating habits to avoid the onset of symptoms, which can lead to unintentional weight loss.
Symptoms of bile reflux shouldn’t be ignored due to the serious risks of complications. Those experiencing chronic symptoms are considered to be at increased risk of developing gastritis or stomach inflammation and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Extensive esophageal damage can also contribute to the development of esophageal stricture and malignancies.
Generally, people with bile reflux will experience relief with the use of prescribed medications designed to inhibit bile production and reflux. Medications, such as ursodeoxycholic acid, may be given to aid digestion and relieve abdominal discomfort. Those who show severe reflux symptoms may undergo surgery. A common procedure known as diversion surgery involves redirecting the flow of bile from the stomach to the lower intestine. Individuals with esophageal damage may undergo a surgical procedure known as a fundoplication to increase lower esophageal pressure, thereby inhibiting the reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus.
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