Doctors recommend sleeping at an incline to help prevent nighttime pain caused by acid reflux. Can something as simple as an Acid Reflux Wedge Pillow help?
Over 80 million people in the United States currently suffer from acid reflux. It is a serious condition in which the gastric acid flows back from the stomach into the upper intestines and esophagus. It can damage the esophagus and cause extreme pain to the sufferer.
Fortunately,
there have been many developments in the treatment of acid reflux. Prescription medications are often able to control the symptoms. However, many people are still suffering at night while lying in bed.
When lying flat, the gastric acid in the stomach flows more easily into the esophagus. This acid doesn’t have to fight with gravity, and this is why the pain is often intensified at night. Doctors recommend sleeping at an incline to help prevent this nighttime pain caused by acid reflux.
Positional therapy, as it is more often known, is used to control the symptoms of acid reflux. When the head and shoulders are elevated, it is more difficult for the acid to reach the esophagus. However, if this incline is not executed properly, additional pain of the lower back may be experienced.
Luckily, there are many products that can help with attaining the correct inclination. The most common is an acid reflux wedge pillow. An acid reflux wedge pillow is designed to position the patient in a way that elevates the head and neck just enough to keep stomach acid down without causing discomfort.
Acid reflux pillows are available in several different materials, shapes, and sizes. Most commonly, foam pillows in wedged shapes are used. They can also be found in soft plastic or inflatable varieties. You can even find acid reflux pillows with allergen barriers for those who suffer from allergies. Look for a pillow that allows for adjustability. You want to be able to customize the pillow for your specific needs.
One of the major benefits of using an acid reflux wedge pillow is that there are no risks or side effects. Prescription medication can often cause unwanted side effects or long-term complications. Although it may be necessary in some cases, if you want to try something else before taking that route, an acid reflux wedge pillow might do the trick.
These special pillows are recommended by doctors around the country. They are a simple solution to a sometimes overwhelming pain. By simply elevating your upper body at the correct angle, you will experience a significant reduction, or even disappearance of acid reflux pain.
Sleeping in a new position may take some getting used to, but the comfort you’ll feel will be worth it. Sleeping through the night at a slight incline certainly seems better than lying flat all night, awake and in pain.
A combination treatment of prescription medication, healthy lifestyle changes, and use of an acid reflux wedge pillow can certainly change your life forever. However, if you continue to experience severe symptoms, even after trying these treatments, contact your doctor immediately. This could be an indication of more serious problems.
