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Does a wedge help with nighttime acid reflux?

Digestive Health | Last Active: Jan 25 10:11am | Replies (47)
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@cusemom

Hi Colleen!
Hope you had a greatChristmas!
So I finally heard back from my gastro office. She said I had inflammation of my esophagus and stomach and to stay on my acid reducing medication ( omeprazole 40 nmg) and will discuss at next office visit (which I need to call for I guess). From different things I have read the reason for reflux is a lack of acid to help digest food. ( I am 70). Omeprazole reduces acid. I am confused. I'm sure we will go over this at my visit but I would appreciate your input. I know I do feel better taking it but I am worried about side effects.
Thank you!

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Replies to "Hi Colleen! Hope you had a greatChristmas! So I finally heard back from my gastro office...."
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 28, 2022

@cusemom, I'm glad to hear that you don't have esophageal cancer. I merged your discussion to this existing discussion in the Digestive Health group:
- Does a wedge help with nighttime acid reflux? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/suggestion-fudiplication-new-medical-intervention-first-question/

I did this so you can read previous posts and connect easily with other members dealing with GERD.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. However, when acid reflux happens repeatedly over time, it can cause GERD.

Over time chronic inflammation in your esophagus can cause inflammation of the tissue in the esophagus (esophagitis). Stomach acid can break down tissue in the esophagus, causing inflammation, bleeding, and sometimes an open sore (ulcer). Esophagitis can cause pain and make swallowing difficult.

I agree with @riflemanz64 that you should stop using apple cider vinegar until you can talk with your doctor. Adding acid is not a good idea. You want to reduce acid. You can read more in this information from Mayo Clinic:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle and home remedies https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361959

Until your appointment, try raising the head of your bed to improve the nighttime discomfort.

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mjzd | @mjzd | Dec 31, 2022

Be careful, long-term use of omeprazole can have its own side effects (i.e. microscopic colitis).

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