Date: 2025-05-22


Author: Jeremy Rodriguez

Category:

On its own, acid reflux can be quite cumbersome, but it can develop into a more serious issue. Luckily, there are ways to manage and monitor this condition. In this post, we’ll take a look at acid reflux in seniors.

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What Is Acid Reflux/GERD?

Acid reflux is when the contents of your stomach — like food or acids — flow back up into the digestive tract and into the esophagus. GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is more frequent and results in heartburn two or more times per week. In addition to regurgitating food or sour liquid, other symptoms of GERD can include coughing, swallowing, chest pain, and wheezing — typically while lying down at night. The chronic condition can cause discomfort for older adults and can adversely impact quality of life if left untreated. In the next section, we’ll take a look at the relationship between GERD and age.

What Is the Relationship Between GERD and Aging?

As you age, changes in your digestive system can worsen acid reflux symptoms. These factors include:

  • Slowed digestion. With age, digestion slows and causes food to stay in the stomach longer and increasing the chance of acid reflux.
  • Weakened muscle tone. The lower esophageal sphincter becomes less effective with age, allowing stomach acid to flow into the esophagus.
  • Medication use and health issues. Aging often brings on more medications and conditions like obesity or diabetes, which can contribute to acid reflux.
  • Hiatal hernia development. A hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, can disrupt the lower esophageal sphincter and let stomach acid into the esophagus.

What Are Symptoms of Reflux in the Elderly?

Symptoms of reflux in older adults include:

  • Heartburn, often after eating and/or at night, or when lying down
  • Backwash of food or sour liquid into the throat
  • Upper belly or chest pain
  • Laryngitis
  • Dysphagia, or trouble swallowing
  • Lump in the throat
  • Ongoing cough, especially at night
  • New or worsening asthma

How Do You Treat GERD in the Elderly?

Below are some ways to treat GERD in older adults:

  • Upper endoscopy. This procedure examines the esophagus and stomach for signs of inflammation or other problems.
  • Esophageal pH monitoring. This test measures the level of acid in the esophagus to confirm the presence of acid reflux.
  • Esophageal manometry. This test evaluates the muscle contractions in the esophagus during swallowing.
  • X-ray of the upper digestive system. This imaging test helps identify structural abnormalities in the esophagus and stomach.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Losing excess weight can reduce pressure on the abdomen and lower the risk of reflux.
  • Avoid triggering foods and drinks. Common triggers include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.
  • Eat smaller meals. Consuming smaller portions can help reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.
  • Avoid lying down after eating. It is recommended to wait at least three hours after a meal before lying down or going to bed.
  • Elevate the head of the bed. Raising the head by 6 to 9 inches can help prevent stomach acid from rising into the esophagus.
  • Quit smoking. Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, making reflux more likely.
  • Antacids. These medications provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
  • H-2 receptor blockers. These drugs reduce acid production in the stomach.
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs block acid production more effectively and promote healing of the esophagus.
  • Fundoplication surgery. In this procedure, the top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter to strengthen it.
  • LINX device. This is a ring of magnetic beads placed around the junction of the stomach and esophagus to keep it closed to acid, while allowing food to pass.

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Date: 2025-05-22

Author: Jeremy Rodriguez

Category:

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