If you suffer from acid reflux disease, falling asleep at night can be a struggle. Luckily, there are non-pharmaceutical treatments that can help sufferers of acid reflux drift off into dreamland on a nightly basis. Acid reflux pillows change the alignment of your body to ensure better digestion and reduce the amount of discomfort felt by people suffering from this chronic illness.
Significance
Acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), afflicts millions of Americans. This illness often develops due to chronic stress or genetic disorders. Many suffer from it without even realizing it, treating their discomfort regularly with over-the-counter antacids. Most doctors prescribe a daily drug treatment program to help treat the discomfort. The symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, swallowing difficulty, nausea and regurgitation.
Identification
Acid reflux pillows raise your back to a steeper angle, some of them rising to 30 degrees or more. Many vendors sell competing pillows, with prices ranging from $30 to over $80. If you suffer from allergies, ensure that the pillow is made out of a hypoallergenic material. They're often quite comfortable, although it does take some time to become accustomed to sleeping at such a steep angle. It replaces a regular pillow, although some users like to apply a small neck support or their old pillow for greater comfort.
Benefits
Acid reflux wedges provide more benefits than simply treating the symptoms of acid reflux disease. They treat snoring, back pain, sinus irritation, restricted breathing and other issues. Some people just find them more comfortable than regular pillows. Even children who suffer from a form of acid reflux can benefit from using a small wedge.
Expert Insight
Acid reflux wedges work by mimicking the effects of standing upright. During the day, most people who suffer from acid reflux do not detect overly severe symptoms. The real discomfort starts showing up at night, reducing how much sleep they get at night, which in turn raises stress, which intensifies the symptoms of the illness. The wedge raises the angle at which the patient sleeps, allowing acid that would otherwise sit in the delicate esophagus to flow back down into the stomach where it belongs.
Considerations
The earlier that the symptoms of acid reflux are identified and treated, the less severe that it will be and the fewer permanent consequences it will have. Acid reflux, left untreated, can cause permanent damage to the esophageal lining, leading to a lifetime of discomfort and reliance on prescription drugs. Treating acid reflux with the help of a doctor and an acid reflux wedge protects the esophagus, aiding digestion, reducing discomfort and improving quality of life.
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