Can my sedentary lifestyle and BP meds worsen GERD?

Question

Hello doctor,

I work from home as a software professional. My job involves long hours of sitting and irregular meal schedules. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent heartburn and regurgitation, especially in the afternoons and evenings. I am also managing hypertension with medication. Could my sedentary lifestyle or blood pressure medications be worsening my gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms? I would like to know if there are treatment options that would fit my routine and address these issues effectively.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

According to your symptoms, a burning sensation dyspepsia, and a sour bitter taste after eating food are the most likely causes of GERD or Gastric Ulcer.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach, called the esophagus. This backwash is known as acid reflux, and it can irritate the lining of the esophagus.

Factors that can aggravate acid reflux include:

Smoking.
Alcohol consumption.
Eating large meals or eating late at night.
Eating certain foods, such as fatty or fried foods.
Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol or coffee.
Taking certain medicines, such as aspirin.
Sudden lying down after eating food.

I advise you to do the following. These include:

Eat four hours before you sleep at night.
Use a pillow while you are sleeping to elevate your head.
You must avoid all the aggravating factors that I have mentioned above.
Try to drink cold milk before you sleep at night, and any time you feel a burning sensation in the chest.
Tablet Omeprazole (proton pump inhibitors) 20 mg to be taken half an hour before meal two times a day continuously.
If you follow my plan and avoid aggravating factors, I assure you that your symptoms will subside.

Kindly consult a specialist, and talk with him.

I hope I have answered your questions. If you have more queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you.