Do you often experience heartburn or a burning sensation in your chest after eating or at night? You are not alone. We have several clients in our Home Health Agency in Darby, Pennsylvania who also experience this. Heartburn along with difficulty in swallowing, regurgitating food or sour liquid, and feeling like you have a lump in your throat may be signs of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD.)
This occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back to your esophagus which connects your mouth and stomach. As a Home Health Agency in Pennsylvania, we found out some common conditions that increase the risk of GERD. These include:
- Obesity
- Delayed stomach emptying
- Hiatal hernia
- Connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma
- Pregnancy
You may also have other lifestyle factors that can aggravate the acid reflux such as smoking, eating large meals at night, eating fatty foods that trigger acid reflux, and drinking certain beverages such as coffee or alcohol.
Our Caregivers in Darby, Pennsylvania recommend the following lifestyle changes to help reduce the frequency of acid reflux:
- Don’t lie down immediately after a meal.
- Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.
- Consider quitting smoking and avoiding food that triggers acid reflux.
- Elevate the head of your bed if you often experience heartburn while trying to sleep.
Are you in need of a Homecare Service in Darby, Pennsylvania to help you manage or prevent GERD? We at Edmacy Home Care are here to provide you with exemplary care.