20 years
I keep having reflux at night. It''s been like that for about 5months. It's interrupting my sleep. Is it just reflux or could it be a symptom of something worse? Should I be worried?
Jan 19, 2015
Further information is required to better assess your condition, but you need to know that gastro-esophageal reflux is not as benign as it sounds as it may lead to serious complications if not addressed in due time.
The first thing you need to do in make some lifestyle changes to help reduce reflux. These are:
1- Limiting your last meal before bedtime to at least 2 hours prior to that time, and avoiding especially fatty foods at dinner, as their digestion requires longer time and hence promotes the likelihood of reflux.
2- Elevated your pillow by 45-60 degrees to help prevent the acid from going up into the esophagus
3- Avoid the following food items: soda, caffeine (at least reduce it), chocolate, alcohol, peppermint, spicy food, tomato sauce, and anything especially acidic or fatty
4- Quit or avoid smoking
Should these measures prove ineffective or futile, then you need to visit your doctor who will do a full assessment and maybe recommend starting anti-histamines (like Ranitidine) or proton pump inhibitors (like omeprazole), depending on the case.
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