Digestive discomfort and heartburn are usually situational issues. An overly spicy meal or too much of a good thing could bring those troubles on. But for some seniors, GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, and acid reflux start to become a problem more often than not. Home care providers can help seniors cope with the challenges GERD and acid reflux can bring, especially as they embrace lifestyle changes to help.
Are GERD and Acid Reflux the Same Thing?
Many people think about acid reflux and GERD as the same problem, but they’re actually slightly different issues. Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents move past the upper stomach sphincter and irritate the esophagus. This is usually a once-in-a-while situation that may not happen every day.
GERD is a more complex version of acid reflux because it happens more often and can be a little more severe. Many people with GERD find themselves struggling with it every night.
GERD and Aging
As seniors grow older, they may find that they have slower digestion than they did in the past. That can happen for a variety of reasons, including other health issues and medications. Weaker muscles in the esophagus and stomach can also contribute to GERD becoming a bigger problem.
If seniors had a lot of heartburn or acid reflux in the past, they might be more likely to experience GERD.
Symptoms of GERD and Acid Reflux
Because acid reflux and GERD are so closely related, the symptoms can be very similar. Pain in the upper abdomen or chest may be one of the first symptoms that seniors recognize. Laryngitis or a scratchy voice is also a common symptom because the stomach acid irritates the vocal cords.
Seniors might also have trouble swallowing, experience coughing that doesn’t go away, or they may feel like they have a lump in their throats all the time. Any of these symptoms means that it’s time for a doctor’s visit.
Diagnosing and Treating GERD
Sharing symptoms and frequency with their doctor is often the best way to get started figuring out what seniors are facing. Some of the tests that doctors might order for diagnosing acid reflux and GERD might include x-rays of the digestive system, an upper endoscopy, or pH monitoring of esophageal fluids. These tests help doctors make treatment recommendations.
Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger reflux might be the first suggestion. Antacids, histamine-blocking medications, and proton pump inhibitor medications could also be recommended.
Lifestyle Changes to Help GERD
Lifestyle changes can do a lot to help seniors manage GERD, and this is where home care services can offer a lot of support. Seniors might not just want to avoid food triggers, but also may want to try eating smaller meals more often. Eating on a schedule that helps them to avoid lying down too soon after they eat can also help.
Home care providers can help seniors notice other changes that might help.
Acid reflux and GERD don’t have to keep making seniors uncomfortable. There are solutions that they can try, and home care providers can be there to offer support along the way with household tasks and routines that support better health.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in Manitou Springs, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Colorado Springs, CO, today. Call (719) 639-2663
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Colorado Springs CO, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Colorado Springs, Air Force Academy, Black Forest, Cimarron Hills, Fort Carson, Gleneagle, Larkspur, Manitou Springs, Monument, Palmer Lake, Perry Park, Rock Creek Park, Security-Widefield, Stratmoor, and Woodmoor and surrounding areas in Colorado.
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