A partially correct old myth suggests that GERD patients must keep the bed raised, sit up, or sleep with extra pillows under the head. Few patients who get nocturnal regurgitation may find this helpful. However, not all may find it to be beneficial. For example, a few recent studies have indicated that sleeping on the left side is a better way to avoid nighttime heartburn.
This happens because sleeping on the right side makes the acid take longer to clear out of your oesophagus, which increases heartburn symptoms. In addition, the acid can regurgitate back into your oesophagus more often if you lay on your back. But sleeping with your head elevated using a wedge pillow will keep the acid in your stomach. Another helpful process is by using a wedge pillow on the right side.
Another old misconception. The problem in GERD is more than just the amount of acid. The amount of acid produced in a GERD sufferer's stomach is usually average, but the problem is the acid being in the wrong location. Instead of staying in the stomach, the acid moves into the oesophagus. The probable doubt would be about clinicians' medications' significance in reducing stomach acid if excess acid is not the problem.
The reason is that there is no medication to keep the acid in the right place or effectively stop the acid from dropping back into the oesophagus. So, medicines are given to reduce the acid because a lack of acid in the stomach will decrease the acid volume and chances of reflux decrease.
As the use of sugar would worsen the condition of a diabetes patient. Similarly, stress does not cause heartburn, but it can worsen it. The pressure can be both physical and mental. Extreme physical stress while undergoing severe illness can cause immense heartburn.
Injury can develop ulcers with time/without treatment. Conceptually it is the same with mental stress. Extreme mental stress and anxiety can increase the symptoms of acid reflux, as evidenced by signs of heartburn seen in students just before the examination.
This is the biggest myth perpetrated on our generation. You can help your GERD and heartburn. General treatment includes prescription medications, over-the-counter remedies, and subtle changes in diet and lifestyle.
In addition, you can keep a heartburn record ( food, activity, exercise, smoking, alcohol etc.) The current generation has far better investigative, treatment (both medical and surgical therapies) and management strategies to counter GERD.
As we know that no direct medication is available for the acid in the oesophagus, medicines are prescribed to lower acid production in the stomach. Hence patients tend to think that acid-suppressing medicines may cause indigestion.
However, digestion is a multi-step, multi-tasked process using acid, enzymes and hormones. Therefore, medications like Histamine H1 blockers and proton pump inhibitors would work significantly in reducing acid production, but enough acid would still be present in the stomach for digestion.
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