Why do diabetics tend to have more trouble with acid reflux than most? The problem between diabetes and acid reflux may be due to a condition called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). This condition is characterized by stomach acid flowing back into your esophagus. GERD is more serious and happens more frequently than your common case of heartburn. It is brought about by conditions such as diabetes or being overweight.
This form of diabetes acid reflux is usually known as a side effect of gastroparesis. This is a condition which is related to both diabetes and acid reflux in which food in your stomach takes longer than normal to empty. If food stays in the stomach too long, the food can sour and regurgitate. This is what causes you to have to deal with heavy heartburn. According to Recipesdietsandmore.com, you can prevent GERD by:
- Losing weight
- Eating smaller meals
- Elevating your head when you sleep
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding alcohol
- Avoiding triggers such as spicy or fried foods
- Avoiding situations where you must bend
- Waiting 3-4 hours after eating before lying down
Acid Reflux Diabetes Symptoms
Being overweight is always going to contribute to your acid reflux and diabetes symptoms. Eating spicy or fatty foods will as well. If diabetes and acid reflux conditions continually persists over several days, it is advisable to visit your doctor to see if it is GERD. Common symptoms of GERD include frequent heartburn, heartburn at night, coughing, snoring, swelling of the sinus tissues, and mucus drainage. Chest pain may also come about in this condition, and although you shouldn’t assume GERD to be the cause, it may well be.
Overtime the symptoms of GERD may worsen. Continual problems with diabetes and acid reflux may eventually cause burning and scarring in your esophagus. This can lead to difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing, asthma-like wheezing, chronic laryngitis, and possibly cancer. Therefore, if you are experiencing frequent bouts of heartburn, it is advisable that you speak with your doctor early on.
For immediate relief it is okay to take antacids like Maalox or Tums. These will help to neutralize your stomach acid. Prescription drugs such as Pepcid or Zantac are helpful too. These drugs work by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. If your esophagus has been damaged by diabetes and acid reflux, the drug Prolosec or drugs like it will likely be helpful in reducing your acid reflux and healing the damage. Contact your physician for more information.
