Acid Reflux Treatments-->Acid Reflux Syndrome-->Acid, Apnea, Reflux and Sleep Disorders Acid, Apnea, Reflux and Sleep DisordersWhether the issue is Acid, Apnea, Reflux or a sleep disorder there are methods in which a sufferer can lead a normal life. Acid Reflux is the condition where the food consumed and the stomach acid flow back into the esophagus. A set of muscles below the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens and closes to give way for food to enter the stomach.
Acid Reflux is said to cause many symptoms as listed below:
Among all these, heartburn is found to cause disturbances in one’s sleeping habits. The condition is referred to as acid apnea reflux sleep. The burning, choking sensation created when the stomach acid rises from the stomach up the esophagus and into the throat keeps one awake. A recent Canadian study found a direct link between obstructive sleep apnea and heartburn. However, the confusion over which comes first persists.
The rates of chronic heartburn were found to be higher in people with sleep apnea. It was suggested that treating the acid reflux disorder would be one way of reducing the symptoms of acid apnea reflux sleep.
Chronic heartburn caused by Acid Reflux can cause nerve damage to the sensitive tissues of the throat and larynx. The more severe the chronic heartburn, the more severe the apneas become. If the heartburn preceded the apnea, it looks possible that the resultant inflammation might have contributed to sleep apnea. Doctors look at the occurrence of both as vicious circles as inflammation of the respiratory tract results in acid reflux as well as acid apnea reflux sleep.
Another problem created by both sleep apnea and chronic heartburn is obesity. A fatty diet can cause obesity. Such diets containing sugar is unhealthy and must be avoided.
In order to avoid the cause of acid apnea reflux sleep, the following points need to be noted:
Avoid excessively spicy food especially before bed time Avoid heavy meals before bed time Eat at least 2 to 3 hours before sleep Eat light biscuits and milk in the late evenings to avoid extreme hunger at dinner time.
Over-the-counter medication for heartburn as well as Acid Apnea Reflux Sleep is available. These are found to be more effective and inexpensive. However in spite of these medications, if the symptoms continue it is always better to consult a doctor.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects 4-9 percent of males and 1-4 percent of females in the general population of the United States. Further studies have also revealed that the higher the intensity of Acid Reflux and heartburns in a person, the more serious is the complaint of acid apnea reflux sleep.
Thus in spite of the close links found between acid, apnea, reflux and sleep disorders, one can lead a healthy lifestyle to avoid all the three conditions!
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