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- Elevate the head of your bed by installing the Sleepcliner™!
Simple gravity helps prevent stomach acid from coming back into
the throat and protects the esophagus from acid damage. Doctors
recommend elevating the head of the bed 6" - 7".
- Relax. Sit down when you eat and chew completely. Play soothing
music. Deep breathing, meditation, tai chi, yoga, or massage may
also help prevent and relieve heartburn.
- Eat smaller meals.
- Remain upright after eating. Don't bend over or lift heavy objects.
- Avoid bedtime snacks.
- Lose weight.
- Try a lower carbohydrate diet which may lessen your acid reflux
disease/GERD symptoms.
- Avoid foods that burn.
- Loosen up. Avoid tight belts, waistbands, and other clothing that
puts pressure on your stomach.
- Stop smoking. Nicotine stimulates stomach acid.
- Chew gum. It can increase saliva production and soothe the esophagus.
- Consult with your doctor and/or pharmacist. Some drugs increase
your susceptibility to acid reflux; aspirin and other non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, estrogen, narcotics, some depression medications
and some asthma medications can make your condition worse.
- Don't be misled by wedges or adjustable beds that bend at the
waist. They can actually make the situation worse by forcing stomach
acid up into the esophagus.
Lifestyle changes are often all that is needed to correct mild forms of GERD. When symptoms are bad or GERD is moderate to severe, your physician will prescribe medications. Some medicines reduce stomach acid. Other medications tighten the LES.
Some patients with GERD may need surgery to strengthen the LES> This procedure is called fundoplication and is now usually done my minimally invasive laparoscopy surgery. It is performed with a tiny incision at the naval and a few needle points in the upper abdomen.
Almost everyone has experienced heartburn. Sixty-five million Americans suffer from heartburn at least two days per month. Heartburn is a burning pain behind the lower breastbone. Pain may radiate upward toward the neck as well. There may be a sensation of food or liquid coming up into the throat or mouth (regurgitation), especially when bending over or lying down. These symptoms are usually accompanied by a bitter, acid taster. Occasional heartburn is not a serious concern, however, anyone who has heartburn on a regular basis should consult a physician. Approximately 25 million American adults suffer daily from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a more serious chronic condition also known as acid reflux disease. Constant exposure to stomach acid will irritate the lining of the esophagus and over time will cause other medical problems.
The esophagus carries food and liquid into the stomach. A sp0hincter (specialized muscle), known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), is located at the end of the esophagus and allows food to pass into the stomach. The LES muscle opens and then closes quickly to prevent the return (reflux) of food and stomach acids back into the esophagus. Reflux occurs when the LES relaxes for periods of time. In some cases it is constantly too weak to function effectively, allowing stomach fluids to back up into the esophagus. The severity of the disease depends on how weakened the LES is, and the amount and duration of acid refluxed into the esophagus.
Heartburn is caused by stomach acid backing up or refluxing into the esophagus. Frequent heartburn, heart-like pain in the lower chest area, is the most common symptom. However, patients may also experience some of the following:
- sour or bitter taster coming into the mouth, especially during sleep
- laryngitis, hoarseness
- persistent sore throat
- feeling a need to clear the throat repeatedly
- difficulty or pain while swallowing food or liquid
- feeling a lump in the throat
- chronic cough, especially at night
- asthma
- symptoms after eating, especially when bending over or lying down
- inflammation of the gums
- cavities
- bad breath
- sudden excess of saliva
- no symptoms at all ("silent reflux")
Certain diet and lifestyle patterns contribute to the condition. For example, certain foods increase acid production, and fatty foods increase the time food remains in the stomach. Coffee, alcoholic beverages, and nicotine in cigarette smoke weaken or relax the LES. Obesity places added pressure on the upper abdomen, neck and throat. For reasons not fully understood, the LES weakens during pregnancy.
Often acid reflux disease can be diagnosed based upon your symptoms alone, without the need for any testing. However, tests may be advisable to diagnose GERD or to determine its severity. There are various tests used to diagnose reflux including:
- Upper GI Endoscopy - This is the most important test for patients with GERD. The patient is given a mild sedative and a lighted, flexible tube called an endoscope is passed into the esophagus and stomach to where the lining can be visually inspected. A biopsy may be taken for further testing. During an endoscopy, they can also look for signs of Barrett's esophagus, and perform a biopsy to see if precancerous changes have occurred.
- Upper GI Series - The patient drinks a liquid containing barium that coats the esophagus and stomach, and x-rays are taken. This makes it possible to see damage from reflux and a hiatal hernia.
- Esophageal Manometry - This procedure measures the muscle function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, by passing a tube into the esophagus.
- Twenty-four hour pH monitoring - This test is performed over a 24 hour period while the patient conducts normal activities including eating. A thin tube is passed to the bottom of the esophagus to measure the amount of acid reflux. The episodes of acid reflux are measured.
Complication occur when GERD is severe or long-standing. Constant irritation of the esophagus by stomach acid can lead to inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding. Anemia or low blood count may develop. In addition, a narrowing or partial closure (stricture) of the lower esophagus may occur, interfering with a person's ability to swallow. Esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus that can lead to esophageal bleeding or ulcers, can occur as a result of frequent exposure of the esophagus to stomach acid. Some patients develop a condition called Barrett's esophagus, which is a serious change in the cells lining the esophagus, and may develop into esophageal cancer. Lung problems can also develop when reflux causes stomach fluid to aspirate into the breathing tubes. This often occurs at night when a person is lying down and may cause wheezing, bronchitis and pneumonia. Other possible problems caused by acid reflux include inflammation of the throat, voice box and airways.
GERD is a common problem that requires medical attention when symptoms become chronic and tissue damage occurs. Fortunately, there is a great deal that can be done, including lifestyle changes, medications and certain surgeries. Working together with your physician, a good medical program can usually be developed to successfully treat the condition.
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For purchase information on the Sleepcliner click here.