Obsessions, Compulsions & Disorders

Acid reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD Gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition where by the liquid contents of the stomach regurgitates into the esophagus. This liquid can inflame the lining of the esophagus. Though visible signs of inflammation occur in a minority of patients. The regurgitated liquid usually contains acid and pepsin which are produced by the stomach. Pepsin is an enzyme that begins the digestion of proteins in your stomach. The refluxed liquid may also contain bile that has backed-up into the stomach from your duodenum. Acid reflux disease involves more than 20% of Americans. At least 80% of the 60 million U.S. citizens who have been diagnosed with acid reflux disease recount being worse at night, and three out of four say they routinely wake up from sleep because of acid reflux symptoms.

This relationship between sleep apnea and acid reflux makes perfect sense because when you’re awake, gravity helps keep acids needed to digest food down where they belong, in the stomach. But when you’re lying down, these acids can wash back into your esophagus, damaging the lining and significantly boosting the risk of esophageal cancer.

A few researchers believe that sleep apnea is caused by airway pressure changes that can cause acid reflux to occur, still other researchers assume that the reflux of acids may be a result of spasms of your vocal cords that can then lead to sleep apnea.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a widespread disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while they sleep.

The Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. They often occur 5 to 30 times or more per hour. Usually, Typically, normal breathing then starts again, from time to time with a loud snort or choking noise.

Sleep apnea usually is a ongoing that disrupts your sleep 3 or more nights a week.

This disturbance results in poor sleep quality that makes you tired during the day. Sleep apnea is one of the leading causes of excessive daytime sleepiness.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

When we’re awake, your throat muscles help keep your airway stiff and open so air can flow into your lungs easily. When sleeping, these muscles are more relaxed. Normally, your relaxed throat muscles don’t stop the airway from staying open to allow air into the lungs.

Acid reflux is usually a frequent condition. After it begins, it usually is life-long. If there is injury to the lining of your esophagus then it is a chronic order. There are many over the counter and even prescription acid reflux treatment options that can help you. One popular option is Protonix .