Does Heartburn Get Worse As We Age?
If you're experiencing heartburn and acid reflux, you may be wondering if it's just a part of getting old. After all, we often associate these symptoms with aging bodies that are not as resilient as they once were. But is this true? And what about those who don't experience these symptoms until later in life?
What Causes Heartburn In The First Place?
Heartburn, the most common symptom of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), occurs when stomach contents rise into the esophagus. Some acid reflux can be expected; this can be caused by lifestyle factors like overeating and lying down after eating. In some cases, however, it's a symptom of an underlying problem such as a hiatal hernia or a more severe condition like esophageal cancer.
How Is Heartburn Affected By Age?
When it comes to how age affects your risk of acid reflux, the answer is pretty simple. Often heartburn can be caused by lifestyle choices一 overeating and drinking too much alcohol are two prime examples, but some people may find they begin experiencing symptoms later in life.
In general, older people are much less resilient than younger ones and have aging bodies that become more susceptible to GERD, so there is a likelihood of heartburn increasing with age.
What Causes Acid Reflux All Of A Sudden?
The leading theory is a relationship between the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and stomach acids. As we age, this muscle becomes less efficient, which means it doesn't close properly一 letting acid get up into the throat. Certain factors can make this worse, too一 smoking, for example, will affect how well your LES works.
Is There Anything You Can Do To Prevent Heartburn As You Age?
Many things can be done一 both in terms of lifestyle and diet.
Try not to sleep on your back, which will put less pressure on your stomach area.
Eating smaller meals is also helpful because it reduces the time gastric juices are in contact with the esophageal lining.
Keep hydrated! Drinking water before or during a meal can help prevent heartburn by helping food move through your digestive tract more quickly, so there's less time for the acid to be produced. Also, try drinking an extra glass when you get heartburn- it will flush out acid and help reduce the discomfort.
Most importantly, it's important to remember that heartburn can be a sign of something more serious一 like acid reflux disease (GERD). If you experience frequent bouts of heartburn over time or severe symptoms, make sure to contact your doctor.
Tampa Bay Acid Reflux Specialist
It's better to be safe than sorry. We work with GERD patients every day at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, and we can identify if you suffer from it. Let us help you get a diagnosis and talk about your treatment options with you.