Have you ever thought that your acid reflux or acidity can also occur when you are asleep? Yes, it can happen and you may not even realise that you are constantly disturbed from having a good night sleep due to acidity.
Acidity or acid reflux can happen at any time and not just right after your meal. Let us learn about acidity, how sleep and acidity are connected and different ways to manage acid reflux so that you can have a sound sleep.
Before knowing about acidity, it is better to have some knowledge about our stomach so that it will help you in understanding acidity and how it occurs. The food we eat has to pass through a food pipe called the oesophagus and then it reaches the stomach. Note that it is a one-way passage, there is a valve at the junction of the oesophagus and stomach called the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter (LES). It is a band of tissue that opens when the food has to enter the stomach and closes as soon as food reaches the stomach.
When the muscles of the LES are relaxed, the acid produced in the stomach for digestion purpose escapes or travels backwards into the oesophagus. The acid in the oesophagus irritates the lining of the oesophagus causing an array of symptoms. Sometimes this acid along with undigested food also reaches the mouth leaving a bad taste in the mouth.
Each person experiences at least one of the symptoms when suffering from acidity. Some people refer to acidity as acid reflux.
When the symptoms of acidity are severe and occurring more than twice a week, it is called Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
When you are suffering from acidity over a period of time irrespective of dietary factors, it results in GERD. GERD not only disrupts the quality of life but can also cause various complications such as –
OSA is a sleep disorder characterised by obstruction of the airway, as a result, the person stops breathing for some time (10- 20 secs) during sleep. When the muscles of the throat relax, the airway narrows or closes, thus breathing stops. When the oxygen supply to the brain is reduced it wakes the person up and again the person starts breathing. This pattern repeats throughout the sleep about 20 times or so and is called sleep apnea. The person may not be aware of this condition. This is a dangerous condition that needs medical attention.
Research has established a relationship between GERD and obstructive sleep apnea as 60% of patients with sleep apnea also experience GERD. It is to be noted that obesity is a common factor in both GERD and OSA. But the exact mechanism is not yet established. It is believed that when an episode of sleep apnea occurs, the pressure in the chest varies making things favourable for acid reflux like relaxing of the oesophagal muscles and LES, thus facilitating the backward flow of acids causing acid reflux.
Often due to acid reflux, the gastric acid may travel backwards from the stomach and if you are awake, it reaches your mouth but when you are asleep, it may reach your lungs, which is also called chocking.
Trouble falling asleep and disturbed sleep over a period of time is called insomnia. Insomnia leads to severe fatigue and lethargy throughout the day.
The person suffering from acid reflux often awakes at night with a cough or choking or with a weird taste in the mouth. This happens as a person with acid reflux sleep in a horizontal position as this facilitates the contents of the stomach to reach up to the mouth. But during the day time, the same reflux won’t cause the contents of the stomach to reach your mouth as the gravity helps in confining the contents only to the stomach or mid-chest. Thus acid reflux causes disturbance in sleep and makes it difficult for the person to fall asleep until they sit in a reclining position or stand to help gravity do its job.
Also Read: Omee
You can ease your symptoms with simple strategies at home as mentioned below –
Many medicines can treat acid reflux but your doctor is the person to assess the severity of your condition and treat accordingly with prescription medicines as mentioned below.
Antacids like Sucralfate provide symptomatic relief by neutralising the acids and decreasing the acid penetration in the oesophagus or food pipe. This provides only interim relief but not useful for prolonged management of acid reflux.
H2 receptor blockers like cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine reduce acid production. They are more effective than antacids but they do not act as quickly as antacids in providing relief.
PPIs include lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole. They are considered to be more effective than H2 receptor blockers as they not only reduce acid production but also help in healing the injured lining of the stomach and oesophagus.
Also Read: Acidity Problems? 14 Home Remedies That Can Help
If you are suffering from the symptoms of acid reflux often then it is always better to consult a doctor and get diagnosed and treated for GERD, rather than ignoring the symptoms. If you ignore them for a very long time it may lead to future complications. And also inadequate sleep has many deleterious effects on both your health and the quality of your life. Both sleep issues and GERD are interrelated and influence one another thus forming a vicious cycle. Your doctor upon assessing your symptoms will determine the management of both your sleep issues and acid reflux.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Severe heartburn, acidity or uncomfortable feeling in the stomach occurring more than twice a week is medically termed as Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is so common in pregnant women that according to studies almost 30 – 80% of pregnant women experience it. In fact, data suggests that the majority of pregnant women suffer from acidity in their third trimester even though in others it starts in the first trimester and gradually increases by their third trimester.
The first thing to do for any pregnant women suffering from acidity is to find a way to manage acidity without harming the baby. In order to do so, you need to know about acidity in the first place and what predisposes pregnant women to acidity? So let us learn about it and different ways to manage it safely during pregnancy.
Acidity in pregnancy is commonly due to hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against the stomach and it is not usually harmful to the baby, avoiding citrus, spicy, oily foods and carbonated drinks goes a long way to prevent acidity.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Normally when we eat food it passes from our mouth to stomach through a food pipe called the oesophagus. There is a valve where the food pipe ends and the stomach opens, and it is called the Lower oesophagal sphincter (LES). The LES is a muscular band of tissue (like a rubber band) that opens to allow food to enter the stomach and closes as soon as food enters the stomach. As we already know our stomach produces many juices to digest the food and gastric acid is one of those juices.
When the LES sphincter relaxes without complete closure even after food has entered the stomach, the gastric juices tend to flow back towards the food pipe. These gastric juices (gastric acid) irritate the sensitive lining of the food pipe and as a result, acidity sets in.
Antacidsand Proton Pump Inhibitors like pantaprazole are safe for use in pregnancy, so if life-style modifications fail to manage GERD symptoms, these medications can be added to the antiemetic treatment regimen.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Pregnant women also experience the same symptoms but the severity may vary depending on the trimester and from person to person.
Common symptoms that you may experience when you have acidity include:
Most often pregnant women experience an exacerbation of the symptoms soon after they had food and at bedtime. These symptoms as earlier mentioned may start at any time during pregnancy and may continue to increase.
It is important to note that pregnancy does not cause acidity; it only makes one more susceptible to acidity.
The following are two pregnancy-related contributing factors –
Being pregnant means your body undergoes many hormonal changes to allow the fetus growth and make your body support and maintain it. Some of these hormones make the muscles relax. During the first trimester, the muscles move in a much-relaxed manner like the food pipe pushes the food much slower and the muscles in your stomach also work in a similar fashion in order to facilitate absorption of nutrients and supply them to the growing fetus. But as the food stays in the stomach for a longer time you may feel heartburn.
In the third trimester, in order to accommodate the growing baby, the uterus pushes your stomach way up thus the stomach will be under constant pressure which also results in acidity.
Do not worry as the acidity during pregnancy rarely causes any serious complications. You can either manage the symptoms by following lifestyle changes or with the help of prescribed medications.
Do’s
Don’ts
Many pregnant women suffer from acidity without consulting the doctor as they see it as commonly occurring and consider it as self-limiting. And also they have a strong belief that medications are unsafe for the unborn baby, which is true only to a certain extent. Many medicines are proven to be safe and effective to use under a doctor prescription.
Please do consult your doctor before self-medication especially when you are pregnant. Remember that the below-mentioned medicines are only to build your knowledge and trust.
Also Read: Can You Get Pregnant Without Having Sex? Debunking Pregnancy Myths
If your heartburn refused to go away with home medications, see your doctor. They may prescribe or recommend OTC medications that are safe to take during pregnancy. Heartburn usually disappears following childbirth.
If you take iron supplements, talk to your doctor before you take a PPI or H2 blocker. These medications can make the supplements less effective.
Most pregnant women with mild to moderate severity of acidity can manage it with lifestyle changes. But many have severe symptoms resulting in weight loss, disturbed sleep etc. When the symptoms are very severe and bothersome, compromising and severely affecting the quality of life, it is always better to consult the doctor and seek treatment instead of silently suffering or self-medicating.
Do not think too much about acidity. As already mentioned you are not alone, almost one-quarter of women suffer from acidity during pregnancy. After delivery, your body comes back to normal and your acidity will subside. Many doctors around the world had successfully treated their patients during pregnancy with safe and effective medicines.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Yes, you heard it right! You must have noticed that before or during stressful situations like attending an important meeting, an office presentation, interview or meeting someone special, you tend to experience acid reflux or heartburn which is commonly referred to as acidity.
Stress or anxiety once in a while does not pose much concern, but stress over a period of time can have deleterious effects on our bodies. And stress is directly correlated to acidity, implying the more stress you take the more you experience the symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn. It’s important to know how stress is related to acidity so that you can manage them both effectively.
Emotional stress can increase acid production in the stomach, aggravating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In people with GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (which acts as a door between the stomach and the esophagus) doesn’t work properly stress can increase the heartburn.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The food we eat travels from our mouth to stomach via food pipe or oesophagus. The gastric acid produced in your stomach helps in the digestion of food.
Acidity, also known as acid reflux, occurs when the gastric juices mostly gastric acid from your stomach escape back to the food pipe. When the gastric acid produced in your stomach is present in your food pipe or oesophagus, it irritates the lining of the food pipe causing various symptoms like heartburn, nausea, etc.
Common symptoms of acidity include –
When you experience symptoms of acidity more than twice a week, it is called GERD or Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease.
Many factors contribute to GERD as mentioned below –
Nine out of 10 pregnant patients develop symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by their third trimester. Medications may help control the symptoms and it usually goes away or improves after the delivery.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
Stress in itself may not cause GERD, but it can aggravate your symptoms and severity.
Stress-related behavioural changes that lead to an increase in GERD symptoms –
Studies show that whenever we are stressed or anxious, we tend to experience more severe symptoms as we become more sensitive to gastric acids. It has to be noted that under stressful or anxious situations, one does not produce more gastric acid but becomes sensitive to even small amounts of gastric acids resulting in symptoms.
Research says that when a person is stressed, a lot of chemical changes happen in the brain, which in turn act on the pain receptors thus making the person more sensitive to pain. In GERD, when under stress a person becomes more sensitive to even a slight increase in gastric acid.
Stress also depletes a chemical called prostaglandin that helps in protecting your stomach from the ill effects of gastric acid, as a result, you will feel extreme discomfort from gastric acid.
Stress also alters the way the food pipe or oesophagus works. The muscles of the oesophagus and the sphincter of the oesophagus that prevents the backward flow of stomach acids is reduced thus resulting in symptoms of GERD.
Even before treating GERD, it is very important to get a proper diagnosis of GERD by your doctor. Management of GERD involves both lifestyle modifications that include stress coping mechanisms and medical treatment with medicines.
GERD symptoms reduce the quality of life, so it is always better to seek medical treatment. Your doctor upon assessing your condition will prescribe any or a combination of medicines to treat GERD.
It is important to note that stress not only affects your GERD symptoms but it also affects your overall health as it can cause various diseases of heart, irritable bowel syndrome and increases the risk of stroke. Studies have shown that even under medication for GERD, half of the people still find that stress increases their GERD symptoms. After knowing the science behind stress and its ill effects on your stomach, it is always better to manage your stress to control your GERD symptoms.
Exercise releases a natural feel-good hormone that in turn makes you feel relaxed and most importantly helps you forget your stressors to some extent.
For a few people, chocolate may trigger acidity and for others coffee or spicy and oily food. Know your trigger foods that trigger your acidity symptoms and avoid consuming them.
Stress and sleep are interrelated, if you don’t get enough sleep, stress hormones get released thus resulting in stress the next day. So, getting enough sleep must be your first priority as inadequate sleep also aggravates your symptoms.
Try relaxation techniques like yoga, tai chi and meditation. The demands of our daily hectic schedule are bound to drain us. These relaxation techniques help in exhaling the negative energy and inhaling the positivity while connecting to our inner selves. Relaxing helps in liberating the negative emotions inside you and reduces your stress and anxiety. Make meditation a part of your daily routine to release negativity and focus on things that you associate with calm, peace and happiness.
Dedicate a part of your day to pursuing your passion, engaging in your hobbies and doing things that bring you comfort and happiness. Modern life and its demands can exhaust us and it is so important to know when to give yourself a break and slow down. Even a small act of self care like taking yourself out for coffee or treating yourself to a movie night can be the solution to your stress.
Sometimes when the stress of your personal or professional life is weighing you down, it is always a good idea to seek help from your loved ones. Let your guard down, let go of your inhibitions and speak your mind out. Bottling up your emotions will only lead to added stress causing you to break down further. If you don’t want to talk to a known person, you can also opt for professional help.
More often than not we can turn to nobody but ourselves. You are your biggest supporter so it’s important that you treat yourself with compassion and love. Talk to yourself like you would talk to a close friend and instead of being harsh on yourself, understand and evaluate how you are feeling and how you can positively deal with it. Resort to positive affirmations to be kind to yourself.
In most circumstances, life is unpredictable and sometimes the challenges it throws at us is anything but under our control. So, next time when something doesn’t go the way you expected it to go, understand that dwelling on it will only instill more negative emotions in you. Instead, learn to accept change as it comes and look at the brighter side of things.
Also Read: Omee Tablet Uses
Even though scientists are still working on the relationship between stress and acidity, it is important to identify and manage both. As both GERD and stress can negatively impact your quality of life along with deleterious effects on your body. You can successfully manage your stress with stress coping strategies but you should visit your doctor for the diagnosis and treatment of GERD.
It is important to note that some symptoms of stress and GERD coincide with chest pain, which is also a major symptom of a heart attack. It is always important to seek the help of a doctor when in doubt rather than self-diagnosing and self-treatment.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Reference
1.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15184707/#:~:text=Affective%20and%20subjective%20stress%20ratings,depression%20to%20heartburn%20medication%20use.
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30347938/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28979749/
Living with ACIDITY and HEARTBURN is anything but easy, but there’s a lot you can do in 2021 to reduce those unwanted symptoms.
Anyone can occasionally get heartburn. It occurs when stomach acid or swallowed food backs up into the oesophagus. But if you experience regular heartburn, you might have gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. A ring of muscle placed between your oesophagus and stomach, the lower oesophageal sphincter is supposed to close after food passes through it. In people with GERD, the sphincter doesn’t close properly, and stomach acid shoots up continuously where it doesn’t belong. GERD episodes are mainly experienced after you eat, exercise, bend over or lay down at night. That acid backflow causes heartburn, and also hoarseness, dry cough, chest pain or the irritating sensation of something stuck in your throat.
If you feel like your chest was on fire after eating a big or greasy meal, then you’re probably familiar with acid reflux or heartburn. Whether it happens to you often or occasionally, you can take simple steps to soothe the reflux. If you’re already considering some lifestyle changes this year, here are some tips that can improve your life and control reflux.
Eating small amounts of desserts or eating cucumber or watermelon post meal helps in dissipating the gas. Sternous excercises post meal are not recommended, while going for a light walk also helps in reducing the symptoms and improving quality of life.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
1. Say bye-bye to cigarettes. Smoking causes your body to make less saliva, which releases out stomach acid, leading to a burning feeling in your oesophagus. Tobacco may also cause your stomach to make more acid and relax the muscles at the lower end of your oesophagus that can shut down the opening between the stomach and the oesophagus.
2. Avoid trigger foods. Spicy and high-fat foods, chocolate, peppermint, coffee, citrus fruits or juices, tomato products, carbonated drinks, and onions.
3. Don’t lie down after eating. If you need an afternoon siesta, snooze upright in a chair. Eat dinner at least 2-3 hours before going to bed, and eat a small meal.
4. Raise the head of your bed. If the top of your bed is higher than the bottom, it’s harder for the acid to travel up. You can do this by elevating your mattress.
5. Be careful about what medications you use. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other medications, such as some sedatives and blood pressure drugs, can trigger heartburn. Ask your doctor if any of your medications might be causing your symptoms.
6. Eat several small meals during the day. Your stomach produces acid based on how much food you eat. Less food means less acid. Don’t overload your stomach.
7. Limit alcohol. Alcohol can relax the muscles around the lower end of your oesophagus, making it easier for acid to bubble up.
8. Stay slim. One study found that overweight people who lost weight were more likely to have their heartburn go away.
9. Wear loose clothing. Tight clothing, including belts, can cause stomach contents to push upward.
10. Relax. Stress causes stomach acid to bubble up.
11. Eat Slowly. Eating slowly ensures better digestion. It also signals the brain that the stomach is full and thus prevents overeating which is often responsible for acid reflux.
12. Drink carbonated beverages sparingly. Carbonated beverages introduce carbon dioxide dissolved in liquid into the alimentary canal which induces burping or the release of this carbon dioxide. This is responsible for sending small amounts of stomach acid into the esophagus. Therefore, it is advised to consume carbonated beverages sparingly and drink flat water instead.13. Do not workout after eating. Strenuous workout right after eating a heavy meal may introduce stomach acid into the esophagus. However, a light walk after mealtime does not have such consequences and aids digestion instead.
13. Do not workout after eating. Strenuous workout right after eating a heavy meal may introduce stomach acid into the esophagus. However, a light walk after mealtime does not have such consequences and aids digestion instead.
Also Read: Omez Capsules Uses
Acid reflux that occurs commonly during the third trimester of pregnancy is more troublesome, and there’s hardly anything that can be done to prevent it, instead precautions can always help in such cases.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Also Read: Pantoprazole Foods to Avoid
Alert: Get your doctor’s OK before you go with any herbal remedies. They can have serious side effects and drug interactions.
Several types of over-the-counter and prescription medicines can help with acidity and heartburn. Your doctor can help you find the one that’s right for you.
For serious acid reflux, proton pump inhibitors are the most effective treatment. Among PPIs, Omeprazole has shown the highest published evidence regarding its safety profile. All PPIs show similar efficacy. However, since the past 25 years, Omeprazole has remained a valuable treatment for clinicians owing to its efficacy and safety in acid reflux and heartburn, it remains the most used PPI globally with more than 40% prescription share worldwide.
Whatever your goals are for this year, be sure to keep your health at the forefront and stay alert and informed to any worsening symptoms. A few healthy resolutions can take your wellbeing a long way. Adopt lifestyle changes as much possible and be free from acidity and increase your productivity.
Also Read: Dietary Tips: Foods To Avoid With Acid Reflux
Know more about Omeprazole
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
To know how cold weather alleviates acid reflux as well as some quick and easy measures to cope with it, continue reading.
Acidity and heartburn, albeit very common, bothers most of us due to their annoying symptoms. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acidity occurs when acid from the stomach leaks into the oesophagus. This results in heartburn and, many times, an unpleasant sour taste in the mouth. But is it true that many people suffer more from acidity during the winter season? Read on.
Acidity may peak or worsen during the winter. This is probably due to staying indoors for long, being less physically active and eating oily, spicy and junk foods during the winter season. The increased caloric intake and reduced physical activity result in a higher body mass index than that in summer. All these factors lead to a slow digestion process, ultimately causing acid reflux.
Thus, if people eat or overindulge in the wrong food and are physically inactive, the digestive system can become a source of a considerable illness such as acid reflux. Increased risk of acid reflux also comes down to specific biological factors, apart from less exercise and digestive issues.
Another factor to consider with acid reflux is the lower amount of sunlight you get during winter. Whether you live in colder geography or experience days that are shorter during the winter months, this season may result in much lower sunlight exposure. Less sunlight on the skin means that your body is producing much less vitamin D (the body naturally creates this vitamin when sunlight hits your skin). Low vitamin D levels can result in the oesophageal sphincter relaxing, which allows acid to pass into the oesophagus.
Lastly, another potential trigger for acid reflux specific to winter may be increased alcohol consumption. The winter months are usually also the holiday season for many people around the world and while moderate alcohol consumption is okay, drinking too often or too much can be an aggravator for an acid attack. Alcohol is acidic and also causes increased acid reflux symptoms. Cutting down or keeping track of your alcohol intake can be a keep factor in reducing your symptoms during the winter.
This is why it is always a great idea to adopt preventive measures and avoid acidity problems. Below we’ve noted down similar, easy acid reflux home remedies that are quick and effective.
The quick tips and tricks given below can help you cope with seasonal digestive distress:
For preventing indigestion, eat smaller & more frequent meals.
Practice mindful eating; taste your food, savour it, space it out. If you fill your stomach too fast, you’ll feel gas, bloating and discomfort. One good way to slow down food intake is by cutting your food into small pieces, then chewing each bite well.
Keep cold foods in the refrigerator, hot foods in a suitable place, and if you have doubts about that salad, steak, or other foods, discard them. Perishable food should not be kept for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
To prevent acidity, bloating, and other symptoms of overindulgence, limit or avoid fatty food like fried foods and cheese, aerated foods like sodas and beans, and acidic foods like citrus, tomatoes, colas, tea, and coffee. These foods take longer to digest and increase the risk of heartburn.
Make sure you’re getting enough fluids. Don’t gulp down glass after glass, which can cause you to swallow air, leading to bloating and gas. Drink sensibly when you are thirsty.
The below-mentioned home remedies are easy on your stomach. You can try all of these and see what works best for you.
Medications to get relief from acid reflux and heartburn is an effective and efficient way of treating GERD. Several available treatments include antacids (neutralise stomach acids), H2-receptor blockers (reduce acid production) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs; block acid production and heal the oesophagus). Make sure you consult the doctor to find the right treatment for your condition this winter and enjoy food without suffering from acidity.
Know more about Omeprazole
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Holiday meals are quite close to our heart; we eat all the comfort food guilt-free during holidays. Post the massive lunch and dinner, everyone in the house is either glued to the television screen or just relaxing on the couch. These large meals are a downside of festivities and a sure-fire recipe for indigestion, further leading to acid reflux.
But why make heartburn a part of your yearly tradition??
Too much fatty & spicy food with caffeine and alcohol is a slippery slope leading to indigestion. On holidays you tend to overstuff yourself, and when you tend to recline on the couch, you unknowingly tilt your stomach – which allows the stomach acid to spill into the oesophagus. This results in a slow-burning feeling that works its way upward into the oesophagus causing acid reflux, better known as heartburn.
Between the oesophagus and the stomach, there is a little muscle which controls acidity problems. As we get older, this muscle gradually relaxes implicating easier access of stomach acid to the oesophagus. When we are standing, gravity helps keep stomach acid from migrating upward. But when we lie down, and especially when a full stomach is applying internal pressure, stomach acid gets pushed into the oesophagus.
Did you know that those extra pounds around your waistline add to that internal pressure? Many of us are not aware of it! Also, excess fatty food consumption slows your digestion to the extent that heartburn turns into a REALITY!
There’s nothing wrong with treating heartburn more aggressively during the holiday season, when large or heavy meals, rich desserts, and increased alcohol consumption are common. Some over-the-counter medicines can effectively treat acid reflux. For best results, take the medication before you sit down to enjoy a large meal.
Lifestyle changes should be the first choice for managing acidity while some people may require medications to prevent/treat acid reflux and heartburn. Your doctor may suggest certain over-the-counter or prescribed medications that provide relief from acid reflux, such as:
For serious acid reflux, proton pump inhibitors like Omeprazole are the most effective treatment and show the highest published evidence regarding its safety profile. All PPIs show similar efficacy, however, since the past 25 years, Omeprazole has remained a valuable treatment for clinicians owing to its efficacy and safety in acid reflux and heartburn and remains the most used PPI globally with more than 40% prescription share worldwide.
Know more about Omeprazole
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Have you lately felt that your joints ache when the temperature drops? Even though the science behind this relationship isn’t clear, flare-ups, when the weather turns, are quite real for most people with joint pain. This may sound like migrating to a warmer climate is the only remedy. However, here are a few ways to help reduce your joint pain:
You find yourself in pain as the weather changes and consider taking a pain killer known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) which will give you temporary relief. But wait!! Did you experience heartburn post popping that painkiller??
NSAID medications decrease the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which contribute to pain and inflammation in the body. NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen can cause ulcers by interfering with the stomach’s ability to protect itself from gastric acids. Although stomach acids are vital for the digestive process, they can cause damage if the protective barriers of the stomach are compromised.
The step-by-step process of how NSAIDs work:
Step 1: NSAIDs reduce pain by blocking the enzymes that are involved in the production of certain prostaglandins.
Step 2: Prostaglandins are protective in the mucosal layer of the stomach and when they are depleted, there can be a break in that layer.
Step 3: The suppression of the body’s natural defences against gastric acids can lead to inflammation in the stomach lining.
Step 4: Over time, this can cause the break of a capillary blood vessel, causing bleeding and ulcer in the mucosal lining.
Also Read: Omee tablet
Painkillers or NSAIDs slow the production of the protective mucus and change its structure. Following are some of the effects of painkillers on your body:
Regular use of anti-inflammatory painkillers increases the risk of ulcers up to five-fold.
Also Read: Acidity Problems? 14 Home Remedies That Can Help
If you need extended relief from ongoing pain, consult your doctor. There may be something more serious ailing you. Your doctor may advise you about some over-the-counter medication that will relieve you from these symptoms.
Also Read: What is a Fever Dream? Understanding Its Causes and Implications
It’s important to consult a doctor to treat heartburn, especially if you experience frequent symptoms. Over time, acid reflux can actually damage your oesophagus. Talk to your doctor about which prescribed or non-prescribed heartburn medicine is right for you.
Know more about Omeprazole
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The new year is here! Now that we are almost two weeks in, how are those resolutions going? Where is the acid reflux on the list, and what have you done to resolve it?
From our personal experience, anecdotal evidence, and published medical research, we know that many times acid reflux is a disease of lifestyle choices or behaviour. Once the behaviour is corrected, the reflux heals simultaneously. Of course, this isn’t the case always, so keep reading to know more.
Most of the time eating too much leads to discomfort, as your stomach is distended and your digestive system cannot cope with a large amount of food intake. The sheer amount of food eaten is often enough to sacrifice the integrity of the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES) causing acid reflux and heartburn.
Certain foods are blacklisted for people who experience acid reflux, but trigger foods can be vastly different from person to person. Recent research has shown that reflux has little to do with what you are eating and more to do with how you are eating it! Chocolates, alcohol, coffee, fried or fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus foods and carbonated beverages are regarded as the most reflux triggering foods since ancient times.
While no proven “GERD diet” exists, the following foods may help you ease/avoid symptoms.
Generally avoid or reduce saturated fats (usually from meat and dairy) and trans fat (processed foods, margarine, and shortenings). Try replacing them, in moderation, with unsaturated fats from plants or fish. For example:
Also Read: Are Strawberries Acidic? A Deep Dive into their pH Level
Proper sleep is critical and its relationship to reflux is multifaceted. Lack of sleep is linked to overeating as less sleep means more wake time, more wake time means more eating opportunities. Many people who have acid reflux experience more nocturnal episodes, which affects sleep quality. If you experience reflux at night, try sleeping upright in a recliner or elevating the head of the bed, and always try sleeping on your left side. If you have implemented and sustained the common reflux behaviour changes successfully, but are still experiencing reflux, several medical interventions exist to help you out.
When it comes to reflux, exercise can be a double-edged sword. If you have reflux and aren’t already exercising, rushing straight into a vigorous exercise program may possibly trigger reflux and can be dangerous. So before starting any exercise program, consult your doctor first. Low to moderate impact exercises, such as walking, yoga, and swimming, are beneficial and will help you lose weight, improve digestion, and reduce acid reflux.
Together, diet and exercise help reduce excess weight, reducing pressure on the stomach, which lowers the likelihood of reflux events.
Tip:
Sometimes lifestyle changes are simply not enough and you may need prescription therapy or other intervention.
Also Read: Acidity Problems? 14 Home Remedies That Can Help
If behavioural changes do not work out for you and you’re predisposed to acidity, take one of the acid-lowering medicines mentioned below.
Medicines to manage acid reflux and heartburn/ Managing acid reflux and heartburn with medicines
Lifestyle changes should be the first choice for managing acidity while some people may require medications to prevent/treat acid reflux and heartburn. Your doctor may suggest certain medications that provide relief from acid reflux, such as:
Also Read: Omee tablet
For serious acid reflux, proton pump inhibitors like Omeprazole are the most effective treatment and show the highest published evidence regarding its safety profile. All PPIs show similar efficacy, however, since past 25 years, Omeprazole has remained a valuable treatment for clinicians owing to its efficacy and safety in acid reflux and heartburn and remains the most used PPI globally with more than 40% prescription share worldwide.
Keep these tips and tricks in mind in case you end up with heartburn or acidity. Make a resolution to yourself to be acidity-free this year!!! Good luck and happy new year!
Also Read: Dietary Tips: Foods To Avoid With Acid Reflux
Know more about Omeprazole
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
You may not know it, but acidity can peak or worsen during the winter season. This could be due to staying home for long, being physically inactive, having a sedentary lifestyle and eating oily, spicy and junk foods. The reduced physical activity and increased caloric intake result in higher body mass index.
All these factors lead to a slow digestion process, ultimately causing acid reflux and heartburn. So, if you are physically inactive, your digestive system can lead to acid reflux and pain. Adopting preventive measures to avoid acidity is the perfect solution to your problem.
Chilly winter weather affects more than just temperature. Your body experiences changes in energy levels, metabolism and, even, food choices. When you get cold, do you skip the gym and convince yourself that you deserve a calorie splurge to warm up and offset your discomfort? Well, you’re not the only one! However, the fact is that no weather warrants overindulging on unhealthy foods and eating habits. Just as you should not overeat ice-cream during the hottest summer days, you should not live on an unhealthy diet of spicy/oily/junk food during winter either, as it may cause acid reflux.
As winter approaches, we tend to attribute a whole bunch of symptoms of having a cold such as a runny nose, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and so on. For treating pain and aches, we take a painkiller while, to treat cold and cough symptoms, we usually pop an antibiotic. Although unhealthy food habits and poor lifestyle choices are major causes of acidity and heartburn, certain types of medicines like antibiotics and painkillers can also trigger acidity.
Apart from food and lifestyle, certain painkillers that you take can also cause heartburn and acidity. Most painkillers, like aspirin and ibuprofen, used to treat mild-to-moderate pain, belong to the drug class called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Although they help alleviate pain, they can cause acidity and ulcers in the stomach. A study done in 2008 has found that 27% of individuals using NSAIDs reported heartburn, acid regurgitation or both compared to 19% non-users. Regular use of anti-inflammatory painkillers can increase the risk of ulcers up to five times, along with indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation and bloody stools.
Enormous microbiomes are present in the stomach and intestines, including bacteria (both good and bad) that help in the digestion process. Antibiotics that are used to treat bacterial infections in the body, unfortunately, cannot differentiate between the good and bad bacteria present in the gut and produce side effects such as, nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, heartburn, gas and bloating, cramping and diarrhoea.
Patients who use painkillers frequently, acidity, heartburn and stomach ulcers can pose a grave problem. Different ways to alleviate the symptoms include:
Post antibiotic intake, restore your gut health with these simple tips:
Many over-the-counter, as well as prescribed medications, can help relieve acid reflux and heartburn. These include:
These medicines are most helpful for people who have heartburn often, i.e., more than two days a week. In case of severe acidity, the patient may have to undergo surgery (vagotomy) to curb the acid production in the stomach.
Know more about Omeprazole
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
We usually want to binge eat during the holiday season and we wait for it to arrive soon so that we can eat our favourite food. To add to it, the foods we usually want to eat more are richer, fattier foods that are slow to empty the stomach.
A typical scene we experience at our homes post the massive holiday lunch/dinner is lounging around, and watching favourite shows/cricket/football matches. Well, sitting around, lying down and overindulgence can easily put a downer to your holiday festivities. How? It not only keeps all the food trapped in our stomach but also lets gravity give stomach acid an extra boost to creep into the oesophagus. And before you can say ‘Gaajar Ka Halwa’, your unwanted guest has arrived: Acid reflux!
Heartburn/acidity results in the digestive tract, causing pain in the chest and is majorly triggered by fatty/junk foods, alcohol and huge meals. So, when heartburn strikes, get ready to say no to those sweets and savouries lying in your kitchen.
Or, you can also learn to manage your acidity problems like a pro. Read on to find out how:
You should try Peppermint tea if you suffer from indigestion. However, avoid peppermint if you have heartburn as it can cause further discomfort.
Pick some mint leaves fresh from the plant and put them in a mug of hot water. If you don’t have fresh mint, use mint tea bags.
For centuries, ginger is used for treating digestive problems. Ginger helps soothe heartburn by reducing the production of stomach acid. It also helps relieve nausea, which may be useful after an indulgent Christmas meal!
Try a few slices of root ginger in hot water as a gentle ginger tea.
Also Read: Pantoprazole Foods to Avoid
The acidity of apple cider vinegar mimics your stomach acid, making it easier for proper digestion of food, especially fatty foods.
Stir apple cider vinegar (one teaspoon to two tablespoons) into a glass of water and drink it before a meal.
These are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and for relieving indigestion. Coriander has more of a cooling effect as well as stimulating the production of digestive enzymes.
Combine a teaspoon of coriander seed powder in hot water for a simple indigestion remedy.
Taking baking soda/sodium bicarbonate causes neutralisation of excess acid, making you feel comfortable again. Baking soda shouldn’t be used often.
Drink half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and keep drinking it every two hours until you feel better.
Tight clothing can make you feel uncomfortable, especially if you are sitting down and eating. Your stomach needs some room to expand a little, so tight-fitting shapewear or belts that push your stomach in can leave you feeling sick, or cause heartburn.
Wear loose-fitting clothes so that you do not need to loosen your belt during a meal.
Also Read: Omee Capsule
If you are predisposed to acidity, do consider taking an acid-lowering medicine.
Also Read: Dietary Tips: Foods To Avoid With Acid Reflux
While lifestyle changes must be the first choice for managing acidity, some people may require medications to prevent/treat acid reflux and heartburn. Your doctor may suggest certain medications that provide relief from acid reflux, such as:
For severe acid reflux, Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, is the most effective treatment and shows highest published evidence regarding its safety profile. All PPIs show similar efficacy. However, since the past 25 years, Omeprazole has remained a valuable treatment for clinicians owing to its effectiveness and safety in acid reflux and heartburn and remains the most used PPI globally with more than 40% prescription share worldwide.
Everyone deserves to eat and drink whatever they love, especially during the time of Christmas. But gorging on too much fatty or junk food may end up giving you a niggle. Good digestion is a great feeling and makes you feel good keeping the fun on. Keep these tips and tricks in mind in case you end up with heartburn or acidity. Make a resolution to yourself to be acidity-free in the coming year and have a happier Christmas eve!
Know more about Omeprazole
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Next Page »