According to results of a survey presented at the 72nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, nighttime acid reflux, along with some of the less typical manifestations or symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is associated with significant sleep impairment.
In a recent national survey, researchers assessed the prevalence of sleep impairment among people with GERD and people without GERD based on response to an Internet survey of a general population of U.S. adults. Using a validated GERD screening tool, 701 respondents were identified with GERD and the remaining were controls. Bonnie Dean, MPH, PhD, of Cerner LifeSciences, Ronnie Fass, MD of the University of Arizona and their research team found that sleep impairment was more common among people with GERD (41.9 percent) than those without GERD (19.4 percent). Researchers found that 49.5 percent of respondents with nighttime GERD reported sleeping poorly often or most of the time, compared to 36.7 percent of people with daytime GERD.
Using the survey, researchers also assessed sleep impairment among patients experiencing frequent nighttime atypical manifestations of GERD. In this case, Dr. Dean and her colleagues evaluated the subgroup of respondents with GERD, as identified using the validated GERD screener. They found that atypical manifestations or symptoms of GERD (i.e. coughing, sore throat, snoring, wheezing, choking, and chest pain) were common among those with acid reflux. Of GERD patients, 74 percent had at least one nighttime atypical manifestation. For almost every daytime and nighttime atypical manifestation assessed, more than 20 percent of GERD patients reported their occurrence as frequent (more than 2 days or nights per week). Researchers also found that sleep impairment was more common among GERD patients with atypical manifestations compared to GERD patients with only typical or classic symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. For eight of the nine nighttime atypical manifestations assessed, the proportion of GERD cases reporting sleep impairment was significantly higher for GERD cases with the atypical manifestation compared with GERD cases without the atypical manifestation.
"Awareness of nighttime reflux, atypical manifestations, and associated sleep complaints should allow more complete evaluation and treatment of GERD patients," said Dr. Dean about this project.
Tips for Calming Nighttime Acid Reflux Heartburn and other gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms experienced during the night commonly cause sleep disturbances, including arousal from sleep, increased wakefulness and overall poor sleep quality.
Here are several tips to help reduce nighttime acid reflux so you can sleep better:
* Sleep with your head and shoulders elevated
* Wear loose-fitting clothes
* Wait 2 to 3 hours after eating to go to sleep
* Avoid foods that trigger heartburn
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Obesity Linked To Acid Reflux Disease
According to a new article in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GRD), more commonly known as, acid reflux, is linked to obesity. Since (GRD) is strongly associated with more serious conditions, such as esophageal ulcers and cancer, weight reduction therapy may be useful in treatment and prevention of these conditions.
"The condition is very common, but previous studies have not been successful at pinpointing risk factors for the condition," says Douglas Corley, author of the study. "Because we reviewed the results of 20 studies on the subject, we were able to better identify and understand the association between obesity and acid reflux."
In a nation becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of obesity, this new finding provides yet another reason to discuss weight management with a physician. "We know that an increase in body weight increases the chance of having heartburn and acid reflux, which can increase the risk of esophageal ulcers and cancer," says Corley. "While we can't say at this time that weight loss therapy is definitely the solution to this condition, it certainly warrants further research as a treatment."
"The condition is very common, but previous studies have not been successful at pinpointing risk factors for the condition," says Douglas Corley, author of the study. "Because we reviewed the results of 20 studies on the subject, we were able to better identify and understand the association between obesity and acid reflux."
In a nation becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of obesity, this new finding provides yet another reason to discuss weight management with a physician. "We know that an increase in body weight increases the chance of having heartburn and acid reflux, which can increase the risk of esophageal ulcers and cancer," says Corley. "While we can't say at this time that weight loss therapy is definitely the solution to this condition, it certainly warrants further research as a treatment."
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Preventing Infant Reflux
Many babies have spitting up problems that don't require treatment. Referred to as "happy spitters," their symptoms usually disappear after six to eight months. For some infants, however, their symptoms are a sign of something more serious, and they need medical attention.
The tips below can help reduce your baby's reflux. You should consult your baby's doctor before making any major changes in your infant's feedings, positions, etc. The doctor will be able to tell you if the reflux is normal spitting up, or a chronic problem that needs medical treatment, and give you advice on the best treatment for your baby.
Hold Baby Upright
Keep infants upright during feedings, and for at least 30 minutes after feedings. This will decrease the amount of gastric reflux.
Lay Baby Down When Awake
If you lay your baby down after feeding, place the baby on his stomach (prone position) on an incline of at least 30 degrees.This can reduce regurgitation. But only place the infant in this position if he is awake. Also, this is not recommended during sleep for infants from birth to 12 months because of the link between this position and sudden infant death syndrome. Based on guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics, positioning the infant on his/her back (supine position) during sleep is generally recommended.
In infants with GERD, the risk of SIDS generally outweighs the potential benefits of prone sleeping. Prone positioning during sleep is only considered in unusual cases where the risk of death from complications of GERD outweighs the potential increased risk of SIDS. It is very important to discuss this with your infant's doctor before undertaking any changes in sleeping positions.
Nighttime Sleep Position
As noted above, position your infant on his back, and elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees. Gravity will help keep stomach contents where they belong.
Try Smaller, More Frequent Feedings
Feedings every two to three hours when the infant is awake will reduce the occurrence of gastric reflux. Overfeeding can increase abdominal pressure, which can lead to gastric reflux.
Rice Cereal May Help
This can reduce the amount an infant will regurgitate. Start with one teaspoon of rice cereal to each ounce of formula. If the baby is breast-feed, try pumping and then adding rice cereal to the breast milk.
Diet Modifications for Mothers who Breastfeed
Certain foods -- such as caffeine, chocolate, and garlic -- can promote reflux, so if you breastfeed your infant, you should consider cutting these foods out of your diet.
Infant Seats and Car Seats
The way the infant is positioned in the car seat can cause regurgitation to increase. If the infant slouches over, it causes abdominal compression, increasing the risk of reflux. Using simple supports to keep the infant upright will prevent this.
Burping the Infant
Burping your infant several times during the feeding will help minimize gastric pressure, and the reflux it can cause. Waiting to burp your infant until after she has a full stomach can increase the chances of regurgitation.
Other Things You Can Do
Avoid tight elastic around your baby's waist, and keep diapers loose. Also, don't give your infant caffeinated beverages, orange juice or other citrus juices.If none of the above methods work, there are a number of medications that often help. Keep in contact with your doctor as you make any of these lifestyle changes. Your doctor will advice you as to the next steps to take. ——————
Sources:
"Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants." NIH Publication No. 06–5419 August 2006. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). 28 Dec 2006
Marsha Kay, M.D., Vasundhara Tolia, M.D.. "COMMON GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS." The American College of Gastroenterology. 28 Dec 2006
acid flux diet
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet 
Purpose
The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. However, it is not just a simple tube. The lower esophagus has a specialized muscle around it that usually stays tightly closed, opening only to allow food and liquid into the stomach. It acts to prevent the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.
Symptoms occur when this specialized muscle weakens and allows stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus. These symptoms include heartburn, chest discomfort, and bitter fluid flowing up into the mouth. Chest discomfort can occur. If the stomach juice trickles into the breathing tubes, hoarseness, cough, and even shortness of breath can occur. This entire problem is called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). A number of factors, including certain foods, may cause the lower esophageal muscle to relax, causing GERD.
Nutrition Facts
A diet designed to prevent or reduce acid reflux is usually easy to follow. The basic food groups of cereals, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meats can be eaten with only a few limitations. So, this diet generally meets the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of the National Research Council. A vitamin C supplement may be needed if an individual does not tolerate citrus foods such as orange, tomato, etc.
| |
| The lower esophageal muscle can be weakened by factors other than food. The following recommendations may be helpful in reducing symptoms:
|
| | ||
| | | |
| Milk or milk products | skim, 1% or 2% low-fat milk; low-fat or fat-free yogurt | whole milk (4%), chocolate milk |
| Vegetables | all other vegetables | fried or creamy style vegetables*, tomatoes |
| Fruits | apples, berries, melons, bananas, peaches, pears | citrus*: such as oranges, grapefruit, pineapple |
| Breads & grains | all those made with low-fat content | any prepared with whole milk or high-fat |
| Meat, meat substitutes | low-fat meat, chicken, fish, turkey | cold cuts, sausage, bacon, fatty meat, chicken fat/skin |
| Fat, oils | none or small amounts | all animal or vegetable oils |
| Sweets & desserts | all itmes made with no or low fat (less than or equal to 3 g fat/serving) | chocolate, desserts made with oils and/or fats |
| Beverages | decaffeinated, non-mint herbal tea; juices (except citrus); water | alcohol, coffee (regular or decaffeinated), carbonated beverages, tea, mint tea |
| Soups | fat-free or low-fat based | chicken, beef, milk, or cream-based soups |
| | ||
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)