How to safely manage husband's GERD with sleep apnea at 45?

Question

Hello doctor,

My husband is 45 years old and has had worsening gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms for the past year. He also has obstructive sleep apnea and uses CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), which sometimes makes his reflux worse at night. He is taking PPIs (Proton pump inhibitors), but he is worried about long-term side effects. Please tell me, are there alternative treatments for GERD that are safe for someone with sleep apnea?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

It is uncommon to have reflux, since half of the world's population has reflux symptoms once in their lives. Apart from your symptoms, an endoscopy can diagnose your gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Secondly, PPIs (Proton pump inhibitors) are the first line of treatment for GERD and some cases of acidic reflux. There is absolutely no harm in taking it for months to years. I suggest continuing with those as per need, like in short courses lasting for days to weeks, and then stop once the symptoms have vanished.

I also want him should continue with CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) according to the doctor's recommendation. CPAP can cause excessive gas, bloating. However, percipitating reflux is an unusual phenomenon, which is why I would ask him to undergo at least an upper GI (gastrointestinal) endoscopy to establish the GERD.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.