GERD - Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease, affects people of all ages but is more common and frequent in seniors. Whether it is labeled as acid reflux, heartburn or GERD, the reason for the burning sensation happens when the stomach juices or fluids back up from the stomach to the esophagus.
Seniors experience GERD from time to time. Most seniors with lifestyle changes have easily managed the discomfort of GERD. Some might need stronger medications or treatment to ease the symptoms. This article lists out the lifestyle changes which you can easily incorporate into your daily lives as seniors for controlling GERD
Symptoms of GERD
Some of the common signs of GERD in seniors include-
Burning sensation in your chest
Chest pain
Sensation of lump in your throat
Difficulty swallowing food items
Disturbed Sleep
Worsening Sleep
Chronic cough
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Causes of GERD
The root cause of GERD in seniors in acid reflux. This occurs when the esophageal tube is being damaged. When you eat anything, the bottom of your esophagus between the mouth and the stomach relaxes and allows food into the stomach. Then the splinter closes again. If this splinter is weak or relaxes abnormally, the stomach acids flow back into the esophagus damaging and irritating it causing GERD.
Along with this, other individual specific common causes are -
Certain food types like alcohol, spicy, fatty or fried foods and carbonated beverages
Going to bed quickly after eating
Some type of medications
Eating large meals at improper times
Wearing tight clothing around the stomach
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Lifestyle changes to control GERD
The first thing which doctors recommend to reduce acid reflux and GERD is lifestyle changes. Seniors who have mild GERD symptoms can easily elimate discomfort of GERD through lifestyle changes. Listed below are some of the most tested and proven lifestyle changes for preventing GERD.
Dietary Changes
If seniors can identify and avoid foods which set off acid reflux, half of the problem is solved. These “Trigger Foods” are not the same and vary from senior to senior. Some of the most obvious trigger foods include fried foods, spicy foods, carbonated and high sugar drinks. These trigger foods are always better to be avoided by seniors.
Smaller meals
Avoid taking larger meals at improper times. Eat small meals in fixed and frequent timings than eating a large meal in one go. This helps for easy digestion and your body can easily adapt to the food intake cycle.
Unhealthy habits
Smoking increases the chances of GERD considerably because smoking increases the production of stomach acids and damages the food pipe. Smoking makes the mouth dry which decreases the amount of saliva which helps neutralize the stomach acids.
Obesity
Obesity is a leading cause of numerous problems in seniors, GERD is one of them. Reduce excess weight around the midsection of the body. THis eases the pressure on the stomach. Staying at healthy weight is the best for GERD and digestive health.
Sleeping
Avoid going to bed at least two hours after a meal. This prevents stomach contents from flowing back to esophagus. Sleep with your head elevated a bit using an extra pillow or two. Get required amount of sleep each day for proper functioning of the body
Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
Clothes that fit very tightly around your waist puts considerable pressure on the lower abdomen causing difficulty in digestion. Apart from clothing, make sure your abdomen is not tightly pressed for a long duration.
Medications for GERD in Seniors
Most of the seniors resolve their symptomes through these 6 lifestyle changes. Yet, if the symptoms persist medications can help ease the discomfort of GERD. Consult with a doctor before consuming any medications. Some of the medications available over the counter for GERD are, Antacids (Such as calcium carbonate, tums), mucosal protectants (Sucralfate) and h2-receptor blockers(Such as pepcid AC) and proton pump inhibitors. Visit 60plusindia to book a home doctor visit for elderly to get treated from the comfort of your home.
Conclusion
Lifestyle changes for GERD has the most positive impact on recovery for seniors. Make sure to eat proper diet, smaller and well timed meals, avoid unhealthy habits, reduce obesity and get sufficient sleep. With these lifestyle changes you can definitely see the reduction of GERD and acid reflux as you grow older.
Author: Team 60Plus India
Keywords used : GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease, GERD in seniors, Acid Reflux, Symptoms of GERD, Causes of GERD, Lifestyle changes to control GERD in seniors, Medications for GERD
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