Acid reflux in seniors is quite common, but regular instances of heartburn shouldn't be ignored. Acid reflux occurs due to the backward flow of acid in the stomach, leading to symptoms such as burning in the chest and throat, sour mouth, or burping and discomfort after eating.
Although heartburn is regarded by many individuals as an insignificant problem, reflux in elderly is considered to be more problematic. In some older adults, symptoms may be less apparent, yet the severity of the disease might be higher.
Why Seniors May Get Acid Reflux
Age is associated with increased likelihood of acid reflux due to poor functioning of the muscles that separate the esophagus from the stomach.
There are other contributing factors as well. Eating large quantities of food, eating before bedtime, eating fatty foods, drinking coffee, smoking, and consuming alcohol can lead to the onset of symptoms. Lying down right after a meal aggravates the process of acid reflux.
In addition, heartburn in older women can be associated with changes in body weight, digestive process, medications, and other health conditions. Considering that everyone is different, it is helpful to pay attention to the time when symptoms occur and what may have caused them.
Medications Can Make Reflux Worse
Certain medications have the potential to exacerbate heartburn and symptoms of acid reflux. This can include medications for sleeping, anxiety, high blood pressure and asthma, along with others such as aspirin, painkillers, iron and other antibiotics.
Never stop taking any medications without consulting your doctor. In cases when reflux starts occurring due to the usage of new medication or if it is worsening, it would be good to consult a doctor or a pharmacist.
Simple Ways to Find Relief
Even small steps could sometimes be helpful when trying to prevent acid reflux in seniors. Eat small portions of food, avoid having large meals before going to sleep, and remain in an upright position for some time after a meal.
Limiting other potential irritants, such as fats, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate or spicy foods is also very helpful. Triggers affect different people differently, and therefore it helps to maintain a record of what one eats and experiences.
For night-time acid reflux, elevating the top of the body is a very helpful option. Using additional pillows is generally ineffective since this elevates only the head. A wedge pillow or elevating the head of the bed is effective as the top part of the body will stay elevated.
Over-the-counter drugs such as antacids could relieve sporadic heartburn symptoms. There are some other medications such as H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors which might be suggested when heartburn happens frequently. Individuals should consult with a doctor prior to taking any heartburn medications on a regular basis.
When to Worry
Sometimes acid reflux may appear in the form of chest pain, which is why any new or severe symptoms should never be overlooked. It is not always easy to distinguish between acid reflux and a heart problem.
Always call 911 immediately if there are severe or new chest pains, along with symptoms such as breathing difficulties, sweating, nausea, or pain in the arm, jaw, or chest.
If reflux occurs more than twice per week, awakens a person during sleep, or causes difficulty swallowing, then a doctor needs to be consulted. There are other indications, including vomiting, unintentional weight loss, dark-colored stool, anemia, or persistent abdominal pain.
Chronic reflux can cause irritation to the esophagus and sometimes may even result in inflammation, narrowing, ulcers, or any change to the esophagus lining. This is why common symptoms need to be reported to a health care professional.
Supporting a Senior at Home
Caregivers and family members can assist by providing smaller-sized meals and helping the individual maintain an upright position after eating. They can also help support discussions with a physician or pharmacist regarding any frequent cases of acid reflux or if it seems to be medication-related.
Seniors living with dementia may find it more difficult to convey discomfort due to their condition. Reflux could be seen through restlessness, appetite changes, sleep disturbance, or post-meal agitation. The dementia care services at Eldercare provides assistance for families with monitoring changes and creating a more peaceful routine at home.
Eldercare Home Health offers customized services for older adults, including assistance with meals, daily activities, mobility, dementia, and communication with their families. Contact us to schedule a free assessment to discover how our home health care services might be able to help.