What It's Like to Choke
from Acid Relux While You're Trying to Sleep
Acid Reflux Chokes Me
Awake at Night
by Drew Harris
Acid reflux has forced me to suddenly wake up
countless times, in a state of panic, choking on my own acid
and gasping for breath.
Nothing can really describe the burning bile feeling, or the
taste it leaves in your mouth as you try not to gag and
throw-up. I have had to
stick a pinch of toothpaste into my mouth and leave it there to
try and cut the bile taste.
I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia as a teenager, which may
contribute to acid reflux. The burning acid had left me alone
for most of my 20's. However, a high stress job and a
subsequent gain in weight and lack of exercise brought the acid
reflux back on with a vengeance in my 30's.
When I started having almost constant waves of heartburn and
acid indigestion, sitting upright at my desk, I knew it was
time to see the doctor.
At that time, I had never heard of acid reflux.
Causes of acid
reflux
Acid reflux is a harmful chronic disease
which can be caused by many different factors.
In this article, we’ll do an in-depth
examination of what may be causing acid reflux
disease.
One of the main reasons that people
experience the caustic fluid backup that is
characteristic of acid reflux is improper
functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter,
or LES muscles. These muscles are found at the
base of the esophagus and provide a method of
opening and closing the passageway to the
stomach. When the LES muscles are weakened,
they are often unable to fully close. This can
result in acid from the stomach finding its way
up into the esophagus.
Abnormalities of the esophagus are another
reason why people are afflicted with acid
reflux disease. Several different parts of the
esophagus may be malformed, but two of the most
common abnormalities that lead to acid reflux
are peristalsis and a condition known as
adult-ringed esophagus. In an adult-ringed
esophagus, there are small rings in the throat
which can cause an inability to swallow
properly. Improper functioning of the stomach
is another factor that can be responsible for
acid reflux. Over fifty percent of all acid
reflux sufferers have impaired stomach muscles
that have difficulty responding quickly to
stimuli. This can cause an extended period of
time before the stomach is emptied of its
contents, often leading to an acid backup in
the esophagus.
Hiatal hernias are another reason that one
may experience acid reflux. The hiatus is a
hole that is located in the diaphragm, helping
to secure the passageway between the esophagus
and the stomach. The hiatus is usually tight,
keeping the organs separate. However, if the
hiatus is weakened, it can loosen up and lead
to a small part of the stomach actually
protruding through the hole. When this happens,
a hiatal hernia is said to have occurred. While
hiatal hernias are not fully responsible for
acid reflux, they can lead to a lack of
functioning in the LES muscles, which, as
discussed previously, leads to acid reflux.
In addition to all of the aforementioned
reasons that one may develop acid reflux, the
role of certain drugs may also play a hand.
NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs may be responsible for the development of
acid reflux and a worsening of the condition in
those who already have it. These drugs are
quite common, and some of the most recognized
brands of NSAIDs include Motrin, Nuprin, Advil,
and Aleve. A recent research study showed that
people who regularly took these medications
were as much as two times as likely to
experience some symptoms of acid reflux.
Asthma and
diabetes are two other things to consider when
diagnosing the cause of acid reflux. At least
half of all asthma sufferers are known to
experience acid reflux, and we have not yet
discovered which disease may be causing the
other. Diabetes sufferers need to be wary of
their eating habits when it comes to acid
reflux; many diabetics suffer from
gastroparesis, a condition that causes a delay
in the emptying of the stomach. This can cause
a backup in the stomach and consequently an
acid buildup in the esophagus.
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He told me that more than 60 million people suffer
from frequent heartburn, acid indigestion or GERD
(Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease).
Acid reflux describes the regurgitation of acid back up the
throat. It can also lead to more serious medical conditions
that may require hospitalization.
My doctor explained this happens when the lower esophageal
sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents
leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus. The LES is a ring of
muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve
between the esophagus and stomach. The esophagus carries food
from the mouth to the stomach.
When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus,
it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called
heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the
mouth, which is called acid indigestion. Heartburn that occurs
more than twice a week may be considered GERD, and it can
eventually lead to more serious health problems.
When I finally went and saw my doctor, I was having almost
constant heartburn and acid indigestion.
He further explained that symptoms are usually worse at night
when the person is lying flat and acid flows easily from the
stomach back up the esophagus.
Anyone, including infants, children, and pregnant women, can
have GERD.
I was told to make some lifestyle and dietary changes. They
included:
1. Using a wedge pillow to elevate my body at bedtime 2. Eating
plenty of fiber and drinking lots of fluids. 3. Eating small
meals and eating slowly. 4. Not lying down for at least 1-2
hours after eating. 5. Losing extra pounds. Added weight causes
extra pressure on your stomach and can irritate symptoms. 6.
Wearing loose clothing. Tightly fitting clothes put extra
pressure on your stomach. 7. Not exercising for at least one
hour after eating. 8. Avoiding the following: alcohol, tobacco,
caffeine, chocolate, carbonated beverages, spices, fried and
fatty foods, tomato products, citrus, and peppermint.
I am a non smoker and I don't drink that much. I do drink a
fair bit of coffee however. The real culprit for me though has
been drinking fruit juice of any kind before bed. When I have,
my acid reflux has been significantly worse.
As I have made many of these changes to my lifestyle, I have
seen some relief.
The elevated pillow works wonderfully. I have also started
taking proton pump inhibitor medication, which reduces acid
production in my stomach. I have been told surgery may be an
option down the road.
About the author:
Drew Harris owns and operates Acid-refluxsite.com, a
one-stop-shop directory for those looking for information on
acid reflux and its related issues. Multiple pages of
resources, referrals and expert articles. http://acid-refluxsite.com
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