Sunday, September 19, 2010

The Truth Behind Foam Wedge Pillows

The Truth Behind Foam Wedge Pillows

Are you experiencing a painful and burning sensation that rises from your chest? Does that irritating pain radiate from your chest to your neck and throat? You are experiencing heartburn which is a major symptom of GERD or acid reflux.

Aside from pharmacological and surgical interventions for acid reflux, positional therapy can be one of the effective ways to therapeutically intervene with this problem. This can be aided with the use of a foam wedge pillow.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by acid reflux in the esophagus. This happens often due to permanent damage to the barrier between the esophagus and stomach.

The most common symptoms that are experienced by people with acid reflux include heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty in swallowing. Less common symptoms might include pain when swallowing, nausea, chest pain, and excessive salivation.

According to studies, positional therapy can work to the highest degree as an effective therapy for people with acid reflux disease. Raising the head of the bed proves to be working. You can elevate the head of the bed using either plastic or wooden bed risers. These days, a therapeutic foam wedge pillow or an inflatable mattress is used for this purpose.

By using a foam wedge pillow, you will be able to elevate the head of the person who is experiencing acid reflux. It is very critical that the elevation of the head is at the right height. Six to eight inches (15-20 cm) is at least the minimal effective height to prevent the back flow of gastric fluids.

This pillow will help the pregnant women. Two of the main discomforts experienced by pregnant women are backaches and muscle cramps. This is due to the mother’s increasing weight which pulls her spine forward. This will cause her center of gravity to shift. The weight and pull of the baby also causes the awful leg cramps. Another factor is lack of blood circulation in your legs.

The main problem faced by a pregnant woman is lying down. The foam wedge pillow can help in controlling the back pain experienced by the mother. The mother can conveniently prop herself as the pillow conforms to her body shape. These pillows can either be used on bed, floor, or supported against a couch or chair. This customizes the positioning, back, and shoulder support for the pregnant woman.

Actually, there is no direct treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease. In order to live a normal lifestyle, proper diagnosis, good treatment and some healthy life changes are needed. As for the mother, it is inevitable that she feels a lot of discomfort. However, the mother should always be comfortable as often as possible.

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