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Jordan News
4 days ago
- Health
- Jordan News
Why Does Heartburn Increase With Age? - Jordan News
As we age, our bodies undergo a range of changes—some more frustrating than others. One common and often uncomfortable issue that tends to become more frequent with age is heartburn. Foods that once caused no problem may now require an antacid afterward. اضافة اعلان While heartburn can affect people of any age, gastroenterologists confirm that it becomes more common with aging. According to a report by HuffPost, understanding the causes behind age-related heartburn is the first step toward reducing its frequency. What Is Heartburn, Exactly? Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus—the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach. This is typically due to a weakening or relaxing of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle ring that normally acts as a valve to keep acid in the stomach. Dr. Vivek Lal, a microbiome scientist and founder of ResBiotic, explains that when this valve fails to function properly, acid reflux happens, causing the characteristic burning sensation in the chest—hence the name heartburn. 3 Reasons Heartburn Becomes More Common With Age 1. Weaker Esophageal Muscles Dr. Mikhail Yakubov, a gastroenterologist, notes that one major reason heartburn is more prevalent in older adults is that esophageal muscles naturally weaken over time. This includes the LES, making it easier for acid to escape into the esophagus. Additionally, the digestive system slows down with age, allowing more time for acid to move in the wrong direction—further increasing the chances of heartburn. 2. Medications As people age, the likelihood of developing conditions like high blood pressure increases. According to the CDC, over 70% of adults aged 60+ have high blood pressure. Dr. Ali Kazemi explains that some medications for high blood pressure, especially nitrates and calcium channel blockers, can relax the LES, increasing the risk of heartburn. Other drugs—including opioids, certain antibiotics, and over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin—can also irritate the stomach lining and contribute to heartburn. 3. Weight Gain It's common to gain some weight with age. Studies show that between the ages of 40 and 66, both men and women typically gain about half a pound to a pound per year. Kazemi and other doctors note that weight gain, especially around the waist, can increase intra-abdominal pressure, pushing stomach acid upward and worsening reflux. Additionally, slower digestion associated with obesity increases the time acid stays in the stomach—another trigger for heartburn. GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Mounjaro) used for diabetes and weight loss have also been linked to reflux symptoms due to their delayed gastric emptying effect. What Can You Do If You Have Frequent Heartburn? The good news: you can manage heartburn, regardless of age, by adjusting a few habits: Talk to your doctor if you suspect your medication may be contributing to heartburn. Alternatives may be available. Maintain a healthy weight, especially around the midsection. Eat smaller meals, avoid lying down right after eating, and limit trigger foods (like spicy, fatty, or acidic items). Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake—both can worsen heartburn. If symptoms persist, a healthcare provider may recommend prescription treatments or further testing to rule out more serious conditions like GERD.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
PGI's urology dept in the dock again, female patient accuses faculty member of ‘indecent conduct'
Chandigarh: A female patient undergoing treatment in the urology department at the PGI recently lodged a complaint accusing a faculty member of indecent behaviour. This marks the second such accusation against the same faculty within a year, raising serious questions about the PGI administration's previous handling of similar charges. The complaint, filed by the victim's husband with the PGI director, states that the doctor touched the patient inappropriately "under the guise of physical examination of private areas" and even solicited sexual favours during an OPD examination. The complainant further highlighted that the patient was examined alone, a direct violation of the Clinical Establishment Act, which mandates the presence of a female attendant during physical examinations by a male doctor. "A complaint has been received, and we have taken cognisance of it. The institute considers such matters very seriously and assures you that it will be addressed in strict accordance with the established norms and procedures," said an official spokesperson for PGI. Sources in the know revealed that the accused faculty member faced similar allegations last year from another patient during an OPD examination. A committee was formed by the PGI administration at that time, but no punitive action was taken against the faculty member. Insiders said since no strict measures were taken last year, it emboldened the faculty member to continue with such alleged indecent behaviour with vulnerable patients, culminating in the latest complaint. Refuting the new allegations, the accused faculty said, "This is wrong and has been done purposely to tarnish my image. I feel there is a connection between my transplant surgery and those who do not want our department to carry on with this surgery. Before my transplant surgery, there was never such a complaint." "I have already submitted my reply to the director and have rubbished these allegations. These are disturbing," he added. BOX: Last year's complaint Last year, a 38-year-old patient from Punjab, seeking treatment for a kidney stone problem, also accused the same faculty member of similar misconduct. In her complaint letter to the PGI director, she alleged that she was examined without the presence of a female attendant and that her sister-in-law was denied entry into the OPD room. At the time, then PGI director Prof Vivek Lal had said, "There is zero tolerance for such behaviour in our institute. " Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
