The Truth About Acid Reflux
March 12th, 2010GERD symptoms (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) generally increase with age. By 65, we’re no longer able to produce as much digestive acid as we used to. This lack of acid makes it harder to digest our food. Dr. Reza Shaker, Director of MCW’s Digestive Disease Center, remarks, “Aging takes its toll on the delicate functions of the mouth, throat and esophagus during the swallowing process. Getting acid reflux help is paramount.
In addition, older adults are more likely to suffer from disease processes that affect the swallowing apparatus, including the esophagus, pharynx, larynx and their controlling nerves.” In fact, a similar disorder — Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) — affects up to 30% of the elderly population in general hospital wards and perhaps twice that in nursing homes. Acid reflux can also be connected with other diseases. Asthma and acid reflux have been shown to co-exist in the lives of many patients.
