Acid Reflux Silent Article

Acid Reflux in the Elderly.

Pain from acid reflux in the elderly can often present as chest pain and can be easily be confused with pain of cardiac origin. The typical hearburn is more common in the younger age group. Acid reflux is the most likely cause of non cardiac chest pains in the elderly but at the time the patient is convinced and scared that it is a sign of a heart attack. If heart disease and acid reflux occur together, they will make each other worse. Some drugs for heart disease will relax the lower esophageal sphincter and the drug is more likely continued because the benefits outweigh the side effects.

Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) at any age needs urgent investigations and treatment. In the elderly dyshagia can lead to malnutrition. Malnutrition makes a person weak and suscepible to infections and other illnesses that the body normally keep at bay. Asthma and GERD are related. It is not different in the elderly. Acid reflux can trigger asthmatic symptoms and asthma drugs can trigger acid reflux symptoms. Elderly GERD patients are more prone to chest infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. This happens commonly when  aspirate reflux into the respiratory system.

Damage of teeth can occur when acid reflux regularly ends up in the back of the throat and mouth. The acid wll erode the teeth. This is more common in the ill, confined to bed, or those who spend more time lying down. Hoarseness is more common in the elderly with acid reflux.Some drugs can cause acid reflux. Others may be difficult to swallow. Liquid medication is best or drink a glass of water after swallowing tablets.

Improve acid reflux by lifestyle changes.

Like in other age groups of acid reflux patients, elderly acid reflux sufferers willbenefit significantly from lifestyle changes.
Obesity can aggravate or cause acid reflux. Losing weight will make a big difference. Reducing consumption of certain foods especially fatty foods will also help. Raising the head of the bed is effective in acid reflux in the elderly. This allows the stomach to be lower than the esophagus. All acid reflux patients should avoid eating at least three hours before retiring to bed and that includes a nightcap. Three hours is sufficient time for the stomach to be relatively empty when lying down to sleep.

Having smaller meals regularly means the stomach is not full. This reduces the opportunity for acid reflux into the esophagus.
Smoking and alcohol can make acid reflux worse. Give up smoking and take alcohol sensibly.

Check with your doctor that the medication you are on is not likely to cause or aggravate acid reflux. If possible request that you are given liquid medication. If not, ask for tablets rather than capsules or geltabs. If you have to take tablets follow with a glass of water. Always try to take your medication sitting up or standing and remain in that position for about thirty minutes. Do not lie down immediately after taking your medication.