Senior Care Awareness: Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Senior Care in Los Angeles CA

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is an uncomfortable condition that occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus, creating a painful burning sensation. Elderly adults tend to be more susceptible to this condition than younger adults and make up a large percentage of the 15 million American adults that face this condition each day. Though the physiological changes associated with aging, and many treatments and medications prescribed for common chronic conditions, lend themselves to higher instances of GERD in adults over the age of 65, it is possible for your seniors to cope with this condition and reduce their symptoms.

One of the most important things to realize when it comes to managing GERD is that it is a specific condition, not another way of saying heartburn or acid reflux. Though both acid reflux and heartburn are symptoms for those who cope with GERD, they do not always indicate the condition.

Though seniors tend to have less sensitive pain receptors than younger adults, your elderly loved ones may not notice the pain-related symptoms of the disease. Pay close attention to your seniors’ behavior to detect other symptoms, including:

• Painful swallowing

• Stomach contents such as acid or food regurgitating into the mouth

• Bitter taste

• The feeling of food being “stuck” when swallowing

• Heartburn

• Nausea

• Chest pain not associated with exertion particularly when waking up or lying down

 

GERD is not just unpleasant, it can lead to very serious consequences.  If they or their senior care provider notices any of the following symptoms, get in touch with their physician immediately to make an appointment. These symptoms could indicate a severe degree of damage that may require specialized treatment:

• Sudden, unexplained weight loss

• Rectal bleeding

• Black, tar-like stools

• Vomiting, particularly with blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

• Sore throat and hoarseness

• Choking and chronic cough

 

GERD can be caused by a variety of factors. Knowing these factors can help you modify your elderly parents’ behavior and lifestyle to help reduce their GERD symptoms and protect their bodies from serious damage and increased risk of esophageal cancer. Some of the common causes of GERD include:

• Tight clothing

• Consuming certain foods such as chocolate, alcohol, carbonated beverages, mint, onions, tomatoes, spicy foods, fried foods, or fatty foods

• Overindulging in food or beverages

• Smoking

• Lying down or reclining within two hours of meals

• Being overweight

• Peptic ulcers

• Asthma

• Hiatal hernia

• Diabetes

• Certain medication

 

Adjusting behaviors such as staying active or at least sitting up within two hours of eating meals, eating smaller meals, wearing loose clothing, elevating the upper body at night, and chewing gum to promote additional saliva production can dramatically reduce the instance of uncomfortable GERD symptoms. If your aging loved ones are experiencing frequent symptoms or their symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to bring them in for a thorough examination. What you think is GERD could end up being another condition, including cancer or heart disease, so it is important to have your parents properly diagnosed so they can get on the right type of treatment plan.

If you or an aging loved one needs senior care services in Los Angeles, CA, call Livewell Private Care at (310) 933-4986.  Servicing Los Angeles, CA, and the surrounding areas.