Treatment for Heartburn or Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease for Better Sleep

Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder that results from stomach acid moving backward from the stomach into the esophagus.

It is identified by burning chest pain. If not treated, GERD can be a problem because reflux of stomach acid damages the tissue lining the esophagus, causing pain and inflammation.

During sleep, acid contact time with esophageal mucosa increases and acid clearance reduces. Acid contact and heartburn make you arouse from sleep. This arousal disturbs your sleep and results in daytime fatigue and tiredness.

Nighttime GERD can cause major sleep disturbances. It has been considered a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a serious sleep disorder that occurs due to the obstruction of airflow through the airway. It results in cessations of breathing.

Symptoms of GERD include a sour taste of acid, feeling of burping acid into the mouth, sore throat, trouble swallowing, feeling of food stuck in the throat, bad breath and dry cough. Heartburn can be controlled by making some changes in your lifestyle.

The complications of GERD are cough and asthma, inflammation of the throat and larynx, fluids in the sinuses and middle ears and inflammation, infection of the lungs, ulcers that occurs in an area of inflammation, strictures that occur due to the narrowing of scars which are formed with the healing of ulcers, and Barrett’s esophagus which occur due to the changes in the cells.

GERD Treatment:

You can treat heartburn or GERD with medications such as Maalox or Rolaids. To slow down the flow of acid and to prevent future attacks, you can take Zantac or Pepcid. Talk to your doctor before taking any medications.

The surgical treatment for include Fundoplication. You have to take surgical treatment if medications and lifestyle changes are unable to control heartburn.

With this procedure, the top portion of the stomach is wrapped around the bottom of the esophagus to create a collar. The collar around the esophagus contracts preventing reflux, when the stomach contracts. This surgery sustains the barrier between stomach and the esophagus.

The surgery can be performed with tiny incision. The surgery causes little pain. Other treatments are available other than fundoplication.

One such procedure uses radio waves to tighten the muscular valve between esophagus and stomach and reduce symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux disease. [GERD Treatment and Diet]

GERD Behavioral treatment:

1. GERD can be reduced by elevating the head of the bed six inches by keeping wooden blocks.
2. Maintain a bedtime routine. Include a bath or shower before going to bed.
3. Avoid foods that irritate esophagus such as tomato juice, citrus fruits, spicy foods and peppers.
4. Cut down the intake of stimulants such as chocolates, fried foods, caffeine and alcohol.
5. If you smoke, quit smoking as it is healthier for you and it can avoid heartburn.
6. Excess weight may lead to gastro esophageal reflux disease. Reduce weight to reduce the occurrence of GERD.
7. Do not exercise before going to bed. Exercise three to four hours before bedtime.
8. Eat two hours before going to bed. Going to immediately after taking food may cause indigestion and may lead to heartburn.
9. Eat five to six smaller meals instead of three large meals.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce or eliminate the symptoms. Proper treatment can avoid future problems with GERD. It disturbs your sleep and can lead to sleep problems.

GERD is a chronic disease. It stays for life long once it begins. Injury to the esophagus is also a chronic condition. After the treatment of esophagus, the injury will return after few months in most patients. The treatment should be continued indefinitely once GERD has begun.