Acid Reflux is not fun!

Did you know 18% of people around the world experience acid reflux symptoms? If so, you probably understand that acid reflux is not fun! It can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing but with proper diet and lifestyle most cases that affect the elderly can be controlled. There is hope.

What is Reflux disease?
The official name for it is gastroesophageal reflux disease and is caused when stomach acid flows backward up into the esophagus. This can cause injury to the lining of the esophagus and create problems for the rest of the body. Many elderly people have their sleep disturbed, are extremely uncomfortable after meals and in a great deal of pain.

What are the Symptoms?
One of the most common symptoms the older adult encounters is heartburn after they eat a heavy meal or certain types of food. This can last for several hours and if it happens to the senior citizen more than two or three times a week or if accompanied by other common symptoms it is usually diagnosed as acid reflux disease. Encountering food sticking in the throat or even tasting the sour stomach acid in the back of the throat is frequent. Hoarseness to the elderly person’s voice or a chronic cough is very common. To some senior persons the embarrassment of belching and being uncomfortable due to bloating of their stomach leads to extreme frustration.

What can you do about occasional heartburn?
Making changes to what foods the elderly person eats can help immensely as well as losing some of those unneeded extra pounds some of us carry around. Quitting smoking is very helpful and eating your last meal at least three hours prior to going to sleep is important.

What are the treatment options?
For the occasional case of heartburn some of the over-the-counter medications relieve much of the pain but diet and lifestyle changes must be considered if the senior citizen wants permanent relief. Surgery may be required but only in the most extreme situations. Most can control the disease with prescription medications and changing their eating habits and lifestyle.

Complications can occur.
Many people never tell their doctors of their problems with heartburn or other symptoms thinking that it is a common result of the food they eat. However, even if a person has mild symptoms of acid reflux they should consult their physician to prevent future complications such as developing ulcers, bleeding or a narrowing of the esophagus. Persons suffering from asthma can actually be making their asthma worse by this disease.

What can I do?
Discuss symptoms with your physician.
• Don’t lie down for three hours after eating.
• Avoid tight clothing.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Avoid food that may irritate the esophagus such as citrus juice, tomato juice and pepper.
• Fats and chocolate will affect the esophagus valve – avoid them.
• Eat smaller meals.
• Elevate the head of your bed.

So now we understand that many of our elderly friends also suffer from this disease but it can usually be managed with proper care and attention. One thing most senior citizens will agree on is that acid reflux is not fun!

BACK to Senior Health articles

LEAVE Acid Reflux article and go to Home Page