Gastro Esophageal Reflux

Coughing and throat clearing – “drainage” can often be caused by

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). As we age and gain weight , it

becomes more and more common. Apparently the muscle ( called a sphincter )

that controls the backflow of acid gets a little stretched and allows stomach

acid to seep up – especially while lying down. You may not feel it, but if little burns

occur, your brain may demand that great quantities of mucus be made from

the sinuses and throat to cover this burn and allow healing, It feels like thick “drainage”

and leaves a bad taste Antihistamines generally don’t help this and in some cases

may make it worse. It’s one of THE most common cause of a chronic cough,

or drainage which does not respond to antihistamines and nasal sprays. While it is

possible to make a formal diagnosis by x-ray ( barium swallow) or by probe ( yuck),

the most common way confirm it is with the simple lifestyle changes below.

Simple things like using an antacid and elevating the head of the bed work –

but they have to be consistent. After the “cycle” is broken – sometime you can

relax the precautions – but you have to keep up the precautions for at least a month

to see results.

THIS CAN LOOK LIKE ALLERGY

Controlling GERD – here’s what you have to do for at least a month 1. Reduce or eliminate caffeine (nothing after the morning cup) 2 TUMS after meals, before bedtime (careful if you are taking antibiotics or blood pressure medicines – TUMs may affect the levels) DO NOT EAT 3-4 hours before lying down (important NOT to snack) Sleep on an incline ( at least 4” on the head – a reading wedge may suffice) OTC Prilosec ( or prescriptions medications like Prevacid, Nexium, Protonics, and others)

Change your sleeping habits

elevate the head of you bed

at least 4-6” – sleeping on

pillows will not do it

The angle is bad allowing backflow

Good angle – 4 -6 inch elevation