It is impossible to sleep during a GERD attack...!

  I've had 2 really bad GERD attacks within the last 4 months.  Each
  time, it was so bad, I didn't sleep for 7 nights straight!  I was
  in such pain and agony, nothing I did would help.  I tried raising
  the bed and/or elevating my head and the acid still traveled right
  up into my throat.  I had to wait until the Prilosec started to
  do it's job (about 6 to 7 days) before the symptoms improved enough
  for me to sleep.  I was exhausted and depressed.  I missed all this
  time from work. I dont really like taking meds and didnt want to
  make a bad situation worst by taking sleeping aids.
  Are there any suggestions so that I can be prepared if another
  attack ever hits?
  Thanks
________________
Dear Cathy,
Symptomatic esophageal reflux is an intermittent problem.  Once the symptoms recur, there is nothing to do but wait for the antiacid drugs to inhibit acid production so that the esophagus can heal.  Obviously, there are lifestyle modifications that will reduce your probability of developing symptoms.  Eating 3 meals, avoiding coofffe, alcohol. cigarettes, fatty foods etc will reduce the liklihood of symptomatic reflux.  Do not lie down for 3 hours after eating.  These lifestyle modifications should be continued indefinitely because we know that reflux is a chronic problem.
When you have symptoms, you can obtain relief with anatcids or over the counter H2 receptor antagonists e.g. Tagamet, Pepcid AC etc. Prevention of attacks often requires pharmacologic doses of H2 anatgonists or proton pump inhibitors such as Prevacid or Prilosec.  Prokinetic agents such as Propulsid are often used to prevent reflux symptoms.
The only definitive way to prevent reflux symptoms but not take medications, is surgery.  Your symptoms, however, are not severe enough to justify consideration of surgery.
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Always consult your personalphysician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: esophageal reflux
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