Nighttime Acid Reflux Attacks: Is There ANY Solution?

Nighttime acid reflux attacks can be more damaging than that occurring during the day. Commonly referred to as silent reflux, the actual term for this particular form of acid reflux is Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Lying flat at night allows stomach acid to flow more easily into the esophagus and stay there longer than when a person is in an upright position. Swallowing saliva helps push the acid back in the stomach. But during asleep, the swallowing reflex is absent and the refluxed acid is retained in the esophagus. There is an increased risk of choking on refluxed stomach contents. The refluxed acid can be aspirated into the lungs. The acid causes the same damage to the lungs as it can cause when refluxed into the esophagus.

Acid reflux usually occurs when the LES, the lower sphincter in the esophagus located between the esophagus and stomach, malfunctions. The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn, which occurs after a person has experienced repeat episodes of reflux, and the acid has burned away the esophageal tissues. Although some LPR sufferers experience heartburn, it is not a common symptom because the refluxed digestive juices do not remain in the esophagus long enough to cause damage. This is often why LPR is referred to as silent acid reflux, because most people do not associate the symptoms they experience from laryngopharyngeal reflux with acid reflux.

Common symptoms of nighttime acid reflux attacks include: Chronic cough, wheezing or asthma-like symptoms, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, need to clear the throat frequently, burning sensation or pain in the throat, hoarseness and possible loss of voice, difficulty in swallowing, post-nasal drip, nausea, and heartburn.

Nighttime acid reflux attacks are primarily treated along the same lines as GERD. The aim is to lessen acid to treat symptoms and prevent acid reflux occurrences. Therefore, treatment typically involves lifestyle changes like eliminating foods and beverages that trigger acid reflux, eating smaller meals especially dinner, quitting smoking, losing excess weight, not lying down immediately after eating. Elevating the head of the bed or using a wedge shaped pillow to raise the torso prevents waking up in the night. Antacid medications may be prescribed.