Herbal Acid Reflux Treatment

In 2001, a Gallup survey that was conducted on behalf of the AGA or the American Gastroenterological Association found that almost eight out of ten people who suffer from heartburn experience symptoms at night. Three quarters of nighttime heartburn sufferers report that their heartburn either keeps them from falling asleep or wakes them up during the night. About 40% report that their heartburn makes a significant impact on how they perform at work the next day. The AGA, in response to these surveys, introduced a campaign to try to educate the public concerning heartburn at night. The National Heartburn Alliance would also like to comment on the concerns that have been brought up concerning potential dangers that are associated with nighttime heartburn.

With sound advice from their health care professional, most heartburn sufferer’s symptoms should be brought under reasonable control. With medication and some changes in lifestyle, even the most severe cases of heartburn can be controlled.

For some people heartburn can be a serious problem. For those who have prolonged or persistent nighttime heartburn that does not respond to over-the-counter medications, they may be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. They should be seeing a doctor for this condition. For people who have been suffering from heartburn for 5 years or more, they should talk with their physician about having a one-time diagnostic test. Here are the possible symptoms of GERD:

- Suffering from heartburn symptoms after taking either non-prescription of prescription medications as directed

- When you have taken non-prescription medication for heartburn for the longer than usual period that is stated on the label or if you are still experiencing symptoms after you take the medication

- If you experience severe wheezing or hoarseness

- If you have difficulty swallowing or if it is painful to do so, particularly with pills or solid foods

- If you experience drastic weight loss or vomiting

- You find that your discomfort interferes with your daily activities or lifestyle

- Symptoms become increasingly severe over time.

Those people that have occasional daytime and/or nighttime heartburn usually have milder symptoms and may be able to successfully use nonprescription heartburn medications. These people are at a lower risk to develop esophageal erosions and other symptoms that can develop from acid reflux disease. People who suffer from heartburn should keep in mind that there is a wide spectrum of symptoms that range from very mild to symptoms that are very severe. The majority of those who suffer from heartburn will not usually develop the more serious complications that involve the esophagus.

People who experience nighttime heartburn should try to do the following:

- Eating your meals at least 2 to 3 hours before you lie down will help. It will give the acid levels a chance to lessen and the stomach’s gastric contents will have time to empty into your intestinal tract before you put your body in a position that is more likely to cause heartburn.

- Elevate the head of your bed about 6 inches using blocks or wedges between the box spring and mattress. Gravity will help prevent the stomach acid from going up into the esophagus while you are lying down.

- Try to sleep on your left side. This aids digestion and it helps to remove acid from the stomach more quickly.

Author: Lee Dobbins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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