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

Question

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.

Answer 1

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.