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Why does my heartburn go away when I lay down in the bed and increases when I sit upright?

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Patient's Query

Hi,

Why does my heartburn go away when I lay down in the bed and increases when I sit upright? This seems to contradict the advice of raising the head while sleeping.
Answered by Dr. Madhan Kumar Madathupalayam Velusamy

Education:

MS General Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr.Madhan Kumar Madathupalayam Velusamy is a skilled Surgical Gastroenterologist. He completed his MBBS at Coimbatore Medical College and his MS in General Surgery at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai. He received his DNB in Surgical Gastroenterology from Gem Hospital, Coimbatore, which was awarded by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). He has more than 25 years of clinical experience. He serves as a part of the medical reviewer team at iCliniq and brings his clinical and healthcare experience to create high-quality content. Apart from this, he is a Laparoscopic Surgeon at MNP Nursing Home, Kumarasamy Hospital Erode, Sudha Institute of Medical Sciences, Erode, and is a visiting surgeon and faculty in many hospitals in Western Tamil Nadu.

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Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • The cause for heartburn is due to the acid from the stomach entering into the esophagus through the lower esophageal sphincter.
  • Other than swallowing times this sphincter is closed and prevents the acid from entering the esophagus.
  • For people whose sphincter tone is lost certain drugs and postural change will help in relieving the symptoms.
  • For this only we advice head end elevation while sleeping.
  • Apart from this negative pressure of respiration and type of physical work also affects the reflux disease.
  • For further clarification 24 hour ph study and manometry will help in guiding further management.
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At October 18, 2014
Reviewed At May 6, 2025

Education:

MS General Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr.Madhan Kumar Madathupalayam Velusamy is a skilled Surgical Gastroenterologist. He completed his MBBS at Coimbatore Medical College and his MS in General Surgery at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai. He received his DNB in Surgical Gastroenterology from Gem Hospital, Coimbatore, which was awarded by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). He has more than 25 years of clinical experience. He serves as a part of the medical reviewer team at iCliniq and brings his clinical and healthcare experience to create high-quality content. Apart from this, he is a Laparoscopic Surgeon at MNP Nursing Home, Kumarasamy Hospital Erode, Sudha Institute of Medical Sciences, Erode, and is a visiting surgeon and faculty in many hospitals in Western Tamil Nadu.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Companion

Heartburn Posture Paradox Companion

How it works

Heartburn can be confusing, especially when symptoms don't follow typical patterns. Here's a breakdown of what might be happening and why your posture affects it.

1

Heartburn
Reflux

2

Sphincter
Role

3

Head
Elevation

4

Upright
Worsening

5

Other
Factors

6

Diagnostic
Tests

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.
Dr. Madhan Kumar Madathupalayam Velusamy
Dr. Madhan Kumar Madathupalayam Velusamy

Surgical Gastroenterology

Education:

MS General Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr.Madhan Kumar Madathupalayam Velusamy is a skilled Surgical Gastroenterologist. He completed his MBBS at Coimbatore Medical College and his MS in General Surgery at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai. He received his DNB in Surgical Gastroenterology from Gem Hospital, Coimbatore, which was awarded by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). He has more than 25 years of clinical experience. He serves as a part of the medical reviewer team at iCliniq and brings his clinical and healthcare experience to create high-quality content. Apart from this, he is a Laparoscopic Surgeon at MNP Nursing Home, Kumarasamy Hospital Erode, Sudha Institute of Medical Sciences, Erode, and is a visiting surgeon and faculty in many hospitals in Western Tamil Nadu.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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