Acid reflux is an equal-opportunity disease. It affects both men and women; it only appears that men are more affected by the malady than women based on statistics. However, as both men and women age, the leading contenders for GERD is women.
If men understand exactly what causes the imbalance, it will be easier to alleviate the discomfort brought on by acid reflux.
Many people believe it is just a fact of life that acid reflux comes along with aging. This attitude prevents them from going for proper treatment and might lead to severe complication such as damage to the esophagus if the disease is not treated. Awareness needs to be created on the importance of acid reflux treatment.
Diet is a crucial factor in men developing acid reflux at higher rates than women. Men eat more calories and food amounts than women statistically. Their body needs to increase stomach acid so that it can digest the large quantity of food.
When this excess acid runs back into the esophagus, it creates those not-so-pleasant symptoms of acid reflux. Also, men usually tend to eat late at night and worsen the condition. As they eat so close to bedtime, the stomach acid now has much better chance of finding its way into the esophagus in a supine position, hence giving rise to reflux.
Sleeping positions are another factor that contributes to frequency in which acid reflux happens in men. This aggravates the condition, as acid easily enters the esophagus. Sleeping on the left side improves nighttime digestion and reduces the risk of acid reflux.
Breaking a long-standing pattern of sleeping can be counterproductive. One approach for men is to elevate the head and shoulders during sleep. This can also help to prevent the backflow of acid during night.
Lifestyle decisions also heighten the risk in men. It includes smoking and drinking. Researchers have found that the lining of the esophagus may be weakened by smoking and excessive intake of alcohol, leading to more reflux incidents.
On that note, reduction or avoidance of tobacco and alcohol will lessen the symptoms dramatically. Men should realize that continued consumption of these harmful substances will excessively destroy their esophagus beyond repair.
Occupational hazards, especially to men who are working in hazardous environments, can increase the chances of acid reflux. A number of occupations are exposed to various kinds of chemicals that can cause irritation in the esophagus and promote backflow of stomach acids.
It is important that appropriate safety equipment be worn by men in these professions, as well as health protocols be followed, when such substances need to be handled both at work and in the home.
Another factor contributing to this could be obesity; being overweight makes one more susceptible to acid reflux. Additional weight may put extra pressure on the stomach and allow acid to flow back into the esophagus.
Many men who feel overweight can help alleviate this pressure by going on a proper diet and exercising more, hence relieving symptoms associated with reflux.
Some men feel that they have a severe problem with acid reflux and yet do not seek any medical help due to the fear of taking any prescribed medication for any possible side effects. People who have this kind of worry should discuss it frankly with a health professional.
The question that is always pursued in peoples’ minds is that of whether some acid reflux medications can make a man impotent. Doctors might also recommend other medications or the forms of treatment which are offering symptom management devoid of risks of undesirable side effects.
Men should understand that acid reflux is not something they must live with. Men can assess their current lifestyle and habits to determine what changes could be made to alleviate the condition. Lifestyle changes include dietary pattern changes, positional changes in sleep, and avoidance or limitation of irritating substances such as alcohol and tobacco. Symptom relief may also be found through over-the-counter treatments if lifestyle changes are not effective.
It would also be advisable to consult a physician so that no serious underlying medical problem is ruled out. Still, some men would require prescription medications to keep their acid reflux at bay. This, with proper medical advice, could lead to a customized treatment approach where many men can find relief and have better lives.
Knowing the ‘why’ of why men are more prone to acid reflux will enable them to do something positive in seeking relief from this disease.
By better awareness, men need to identify and try to alter their lifestyle, seek health care advice when necessary, and explore all avenues of available treatment options so they can help themselves to overcome the discomfort of acid reflux and minimize its impact on everyday life.
