Sunday, 05 December 2021

Reflux Disorders in Seniors

Reflux Disorders (GERD) in Seniors If a senior loved one is complaining of heartburn, pain when swallowing, or regurgitation, they could be experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). While many older adults can have minor heartburn or indigestion from time to time, GERD is more serious, persistent, and affects millions of seniors in the United States.

What is GERD? When you have GERD (chronic acid reflux) your stomach acid persistently flows back up into your mouth through your esophagus. You may experience heartburn, acid indigestion, trouble swallowing, feeling of food caught in your throat and other problems.

Who is at Risk for GERD? GERD can affect anyone, but seniors, in general, are at a higher risk due to changes in the body from aging. Risks can increase through the following conditions:

Diabetes Obesity Hiatal hernias Asthma Peptic ulcers Delayed stomach emptying Common medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antidepressants

How to Tell if a Senior Has GERD The first step to helping any senior get the acid reflux relief that they need is to diagnose the issue at hand. In most cases, seniors will be able to express their pain or discomfort associated with GERD. However, in some cases, Home Care providers may need to step in and look for signs of pain and discomfort in seniors, particularly while or after they are eating. Common symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Chest pain or discomfort when lying down
• Heartburn
• Chest pain or discomfort when waking up in the morning
• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Regurgitating food in the mouth after eating
• Complaints of pain while swallowing
• Frequent issues of food getting stuck in the throat while swallowing
• Unexplained wheezing hoarseness or sore throats
• Chronic coughing or throat clearing
• Excess mucus production
• Choking fits

While some people may be able to live with the symptoms of GERD, if left untreated, it can lead to a number of more serious issues, particularly in seniors. If seniors, or their care providers notice any of these signs and symptoms, they should contact their primary healthcare provider as soon as possible.

These more serious signs and symptoms include:

Extreme, or unintentional weight loss Black, tarry stools Rectal bleeding Unexplained vomiting Blood in vomit Vomiting up coffee-ground looking materials Severe chest pain

These symptoms can be life-threatening or even be an indication of a more serious problem that may be developing. Many seniors who have GERD also suffer from heart disease, so an accurate diagnosis is important to rule out a more serious problem.

How is GERD Treated? Over-the-counter (OTC) medication and lifestyle changes are usually the first lines of treatment. If OTC or prescribed medications are unsuccessful, advanced diagnostic tests may be needed for a clearer diagnosis. For severe cases of GERD, a doctor may recommend a surgical or medical procedure.

If left untreated, GERD can lead to serious complications such as:

Esophageal stricture Over time, stomach acid can damage the lower esophagus and lead to the formation of scar tissue, which then narrows the food pathway. This can cause swallowing disorders for seniors.

Esophageal ulcer Stomach acid may erode tissue, forming an open sore or ulcer. Esophageal ulcers can be painful, bleed constantly, and lead to difficulty swallowing.

Barrett’s esophagus Damage from stomach acid may cause the formation of precancerous tissue in the esophagus, which is linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Golden Home Care Provides Supportive Care at Home If older adults are having trouble managing symptoms on their own, a Golden Home Care Care Assistant can provide in-home assistance through:

Medication reminders Many older adults may take multiple medications throughout the day, which can be overwhelming – especially for those with cognitive impairments. Our caregivers are available to help your loved one take their antacids and other medications on time through verbal reminders, medication calendars, and alarms.

Weight and meal management Achieving a healthy weight is encouraged for overweight patients to decrease GERD symptoms. Additionally, eating smaller meals and avoiding mealtime triggers, such as fatty or fried foods, can help manage symptoms. Our caregivers can help your loved one exercise regularly, encourage them to eat healthier portion sizes, and assist with purchasing groceries and meal prep.

Proper sleeping habits A senior with GERD can have increased symptoms when they sleep with their head at a low angle after eating. Our caregivers will remind your loved one to use a foam wedge to elevate their pillow.

Developing healthy habits Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and wearing tight clothing that compresses the stomach can all increase symptoms. Our caregivers can help older adults make healthier lifestyle choices—such as reducing smoking and drinking—to relieve symptoms.

If your senior needs extra assistance managing symptoms or requires personal care or companion care, a Golden Home Care dedicated caregiver is your best option.

Contact us today! Our home care coordinators are available to discuss your senior’s needs via a free home care consultation.

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