GERD, or Gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a very common ailment affecting millions of people worldwide. GERD is known by many names, including Esophagitis, reflux, acid reflux, even (incorrectly) hiatal hernia. Gastroesophageal reflux is the term used to describe a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus.
The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. Along with heartburn, other symptoms include pain swallowing, chest pain, coughing, sore throat, hoarseness, asthma, aspiration pneumonia, even tooth enamel decay, gingivitis and halitosis.
Treatments of GERD include over-the-counter medications like antacids and prescription strength medications. Heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD may be mild to severe. If you experience severe discomfort or heartburn several times a week, you should consult a physician.
There are several lifestyle recommendations you can make to help ease the discomfort of GERD and acid reflux:
- Control your weight / Lose weight if overweight.
- Eat smaller meals, especially your last meal of each day.
- Avoid reclining or lying down directly after a meal
- Eliminate certain foods or food types that may trigger heartburn
Don’t smoke
Raise the head of your mattress 6-9 inches. Experts recommend elevating the bed by inserting a wedge between the mattress and box spring or adding a wedge shaped cushion on top of your mattress.(raising your head with pillows is not a good alternative)
Limit alcohol consumption, especially in evening hours.
A bed wedge (foam or adjustable), provides a simple solution for raising your mattress and alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by GERD symptoms.
Contour Products is the brand leader in ergonomic products designed specifically for sleeping comfort and back support. Products include orthopaedic pillows, cushions, chair pads, mattress pads and more. Contour Living offers a variety of bed and back wedges to reduce GERD while sleeping. Visit Contour Living for more information on solutions to improve posture, sleep better, correct support problems and live more comfortably.