Acid Reflux

Acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), can wreak havoc on your teeth, wearing away enamel and leaving you vulnerable to tooth decay and damage. Symptoms include coughing, choking, and acid erosion, and may contribute to or cause the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea.

What’s the connection?

80% of Americans with GERD report that their symptoms are worse at night, and at least 75% of them say it has woken them up from sleep. It is believed that the heavier breathing that sleep apnea sufferers exhibit may lead to pressure changes in the airway. In turn, this induces stomach acid to flow into the esophagus, throat, and mouth. It is also possible that GERD causes spasms of the vocal chords, which in turn causes the airway to close and cut off breathing.

Does GERD Cause Sleep Apnea?

While many people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea do not exhibit signs of GERD, there does seem to be some correlation between the two conditions. It is possible that one causes the other, but which one is the culprit is not clear. Both of these conditions tend to appear as people grow older, another indication of correlation.

While it is not clear which of the conditions causes the other, it is known that treating the symptoms of one can reduce the severity of the other.

Treatment

GERD can be managed through lifestyle changes such as avoiding trigger foods, alcohol, and smoking, weight loss, and medication. Many of these factors can also benefit sleep apnea sufferers. The sleep disorder is often found in those who are obese, as the excess flesh relaxes and blocks the airway at night. Those who are given medications such as esomeprazole magnesium (Nexium) have shown a dramatic reduction in symptoms of sleep apnea including daytime sleepiness and snoring.

If you suffer from GERD, you may want to be examined to discover if you also suffer from sleep apnea. To learn more, make an appointment with Dr. Louie today by calling (323) 461-9353.