
What is acid reflux?
“Acid reflux” is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, which is the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. This symptom is caused by the “sphincter muscle” between the esophagus and stomach not working properly and not closing tightly, allowing acid to flow back up. สมัคร ufabet กับเรา รับโบนัสทันที This results in heartburn, tightness, frequent burping, or a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, especially after eating or while lying down.
In the elderly, this condition is more likely to occur because the digestive system deteriorates with age, and there may also be underlying diseases or medication that affect the functioning of the digestive system.
Risky behaviors cause acid reflux
- Overeating – causes the stomach to expand, causing acid to be pushed up.
- Eating spicy, oily or very spicy food – stimulates acid secretion.
- Drink tea, coffee, soft drinks – relax the sphincter muscles, preventing them from closing completely.
- Sleeping immediately after eating – High chance of acid reflux
- Smoking, drinking alcohol – affects the digestive system
- Chronic stress – affects stomach acid balance
- Wearing tight clothing or pants that are too high-waisted – increases pressure in the abdomen
Acid reflux in the elderly
- Heartburn – especially after meals or while lying down
- Feeling of tightness in the epigastric region – like indigestion
- Frequent burping – sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Hoarse voice, dry cough – usually in the morning or after sleeping
- Constant sore or irritated throat
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling stuck in the throat
- Loss of appetite, weight loss – in chronic cases
Impact on life when having acid reflux
1. Disturbing sleep
Heartburn or coughing can cause sleeplessness, and make you feel tired in the morning.
2. Eating food that doesn’t taste good
Feeling full, gassy or having a bitter taste in the mouth, causing less eating, loss of appetite and weight loss.
3. Distracted during the day
Feeling uncomfortable in the stomach or burping frequently makes you irritable and unable to concentrate on activities.
4. Affecting overall quality of life
If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as esophagitis, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.
Possible complications
- Esophagitis: Acid reflux
causes chronic irritation or inflammation of the esophageal wall. - Esophageal ulcers,
if left untreated for a long time, may cause ulcers or bleeding in the esophagus, causing pain when swallowing food. - Esophageal stenosis:
When there is a chronic wound, the body repairs it with scar tissue, causing the esophagus to narrow and making swallowing difficult. - Difficulty swallowing/swallowing is difficult.
The muscles and walls of the esophagus do not work well, causing a feeling of being stuck in the throat or pain when swallowing. - Risk of Esophageal Cancer
In some cases, chronic acid reflux can lead to a condition called Barrett’s Esophagus, which increases the risk of cancer.
How to prevent acid reflux
- Eat small, frequent meals – avoid overeating.
- Avoid eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime – reduces the chance of acid reflux while sleeping.
- Avoid trigger foods – such as fatty, spicy foods, chocolate, coffee, and carbonated drinks.
- Drink enough water – it helps dilute stomach acid.
- Sit up straight for about 30 minutes after eating – avoid lying down or slouching.
- Control your weight within the range – reduce pressure in the abdominal cavity
- Raise the head of your bed by about 6–8 inches – to prevent acid reflux at night.
- Avoid stress – Stress can stimulate the stomach to produce more acid.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol – as these can cause the esophageal sphincter to malfunction.
How to care for elderly people with acid reflux
- Adjust your eating habits
to eat soft, easily digestible, non-greasy, non-spicy food , and divide your meals into smaller but more frequent portions. - Avoid lying down after eating.
After eating, you should sit upright for at least 2–3 hours, and if you must lie down, you should raise the head of your bed. - Create a comfortable sleeping environment.
The bedroom should not be too cold or damp, and should have pillows to support your back and head so that you can lean back slightly. - Take care of your mental health,
reduce stress, and encourage light activities to help you relax, such as taking a walk, gardening, or listening to music. - Control your weight.
If you are overweight, you should adjust your behavior to gradually reduce your weight to an appropriate level. - Closely monitor symptoms,
observe for symptoms such as chest pain, frequent burping, hoarseness, and take the patient to see a doctor as scheduled. - Take medication strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking medication on your own and avoid using NSAIDs pain relievers without your doctor’s advice.
Do not overlook acid reflux disease, especially in the elderly. You should avoid risky behaviors that will cause the disease because it may lead to an impact on your health and quality of life . And in some cases, it may increase the risk of esophageal cancer if it is not properly cared for.