Can you die from acid reflux in your sleep?

Not a life-threatening situation but Acid reflux can give you certain health snags and will lead to discomfort and long-term complications. It’s a condition that happens when the acid in your stomach rises to your esophagus. A burning sensation in your chest may be felt when the acid reflux strikes. Recurrent acid reflux may develop a chronic condition of GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) which is a chronic digestive disorder where stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe lining and acid flows back to the esophagus which causes severe heartburn. If precautionary measures are not being taken then acid reflux may worsen and lead to chronic discomfort or complications like esophagitis. So you should take every precautionary measure when you are having these complications otherwise if this gets worse then it may lead you to a severe health condition. So when this question comes in your mind “Can you die from acid reflux in your sleep?” You must understand that severe conditions including GERD may put you in some danger but proper management eliminates nearly all danger including the risk of severe complexities.

What is Acid Reflux?

As we know the stomach contains hydrochloric acid which helps to break down food and protect against pathogens. The lining of the stomach is made in a certain way so that it would protect the walls of the stomach from powerful hydrochloric acid. But the esophagus is not protected by this acid. When this acid flows back to the esophagus then a burning sensation is felt causing heartburn. You may feel like your stomach acid is coming out of your throat, sometimes it leads to nausea and vomiting too. If this acid reaches your mouth then a bitter or sour test may be felt. Occasional acid reflux is common but if it is recurring in nature and is frequent then it may be the sign of GERD which is slightly a severe health condition and may cause various complexities.

How serious is Acid Reflux? When to see a doctor.

Well, Acid reflux is not a life threatening situation but if it is frequent in nature then you may have to consult a doctor. It’s rare to see acid reflux being life threatening, but chronic GERD may put you in some sort of danger and in rare cases it may increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Untreated long term acid reflux may provide serious complications like Esophagitis, where the lining of esophagus is inflamed causing irritation, bleeding and ulceration in some cases. Stricturies is also one of the major health conditions which would be caused by acid reflux where development of scars is seen in the esophagus causing difficulty in swallowing. You may not die due to acid reflux but there is always a possibility of having life threatening consequences. So you should always keep in mind when to consult a doctor after having acid reflux at night.

If there is a frequent and chronic health condition due to acid reflux then you should immediately consult a doctor. It might not be dangerous but it may put you in discomfort, disrupt your sleep and if left unchecked then may lead to more serious complications.

Acid Reflux while sleeping. Can you really die from acid reflux in your sleep?

While you are sleeping you may face chronic acid reflux and heartburn, as the acid from your stomach may reach your esophagus when you are lying down on your bed. Some specific causes of night-time acid reflux are:

Stress and Anxiety: Stress and Anxiety may lead to poor lifestyle habits like consuming unhealthy foods,using intoxicated drinks which is a major cause of acid reflux at night.
Sleeping position: Acid reflux tends to worsen at night due to the effect of gravity. It is easier for the acid to flow back to your esophagus due to the less resistance from gravity while you are lying down in your bed.
Gastroparesis: If the food is for the longer period in your stomach than the stipulated time, then stomach muscles don’t move properly causing a slowdown in emptying your stomach. This phenomenon increases the likelihood of acid reflux occurring, as there is more material in your stomach which certainly enhances the speed of acid reflux.

In severe conditions, GERD may cause esophageal cancer but there is slightly less chances of facing a death like situation due to acid reflux while you are in sleep. If specific precautionary measures are taken like avoiding late meals and managing symptoms with medications, then you don’t have to be afraid of anything. It’s very rare for someone to die from acid reflux while sleeping. But treatment is necessary as it may cause infections in esophagus and cancer like disease when untreated. Sometimes choking of food occurs if acid reflux causes throat infection or narrowing of the esophagus. So it is recommended to sleep to your left side at night after having dinner as it reduces heartburn symptoms. Lose weight, wear proper clothes which are not tight fittings and always perform exercise to maintain the proper balance of your body.

Frequently asked questions

What causes acid reflux at night?

Acid reflux may be caused due to lying down in a discomfort position or mainly due to eating unnecessary food items while sleeping.

Can I die from acid reflux while sleeping?

It’s rare for anyone to die due to acid reflux at night. It is not a chronic disease but if left untreated then may lead to severe health conditions.

How to avoid acid reflux at night?

Eat healthy food, avoid intoxicated drinks and always walk for one hour after having dinner, it will reduce the chances of having acid reflux at night.