Acid Reflux Damaging Oesophagus Lining
Acid reflux, also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is the return of the stomach's contents - including acidic stomach juices - back up into the oesophagus, which carries foods and liquids from the throat to the stomach.
If not treated, GERD can lead to serious health problems.
For instance, oesophagitis may cause bleeding or ulcers in the oesophagus. Some people also develop a condition called Barrett's oesophagus, which is severe damage to the lining of the oesophagus.
Doctors believe this condition may be a precursor to oesophageal cancer, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Night-time reflux double trouble
Acid reflux sufferers are particularly vulnerable at night, because lying flat during sleep lets stomach acid collect in the oesophagus. People also don't flush their system during sleep by frequently swallowing or salivating.If you have acid reflux during sleep, you have double trouble. Not only do you wake up at night and have trouble sleeping, but it's also much more risky. If this dwells in the oesophagus, it may spill over into the lungs and create breathing problems.
Regular reflux necessitates attention
In the study, researchers compared the sleep habits of healthy people with 20 patients who reported having heartburn at least four days a week and having woken up with heartburn at least one night a week. Those with heartburn had much more trouble sleeping, and felt drained during the day.Doctors started paying attention to the night-time effects of acid reflux just a few years ago. However, while some drug makers have targeted advertising at the tossing and turning associated with acid reflux, most doctors don't ask patients with heartburn how they are sleeping.
If you wake up from sleep with acid in your mouth at least once a week, you have a problem and you should see your doctor.
Some people wake up at night sputtering. They can't even breathe. It is known now that if they're refluxing at night time, the chances go up for them getting cancer.
Most cases treated with drugs
About 80 percent of patients who experience acid reflux are treated effectively with the commonly prescribed reflux drugs, such as Prilosec. It's those who need further treatment that should be evaluated for sleep problems.It's also recommended that people experiencing heartburn, particularly at night, should avoid eating heavy meals close to bedtime and should elevate their heads during sleep.
If symptoms persist, they should see their doctor, she says.
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