Occasional heartburn is a relatively common occurrence, but more chronic heartburn is the primary symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD. While potassium supplements generally do not cause symptoms of GERD, they can cause heartburn-like pain and make GERD symptoms feel worse. Certain precautions can prevent this from happening.
Esophageal Inflammation
The delicate membrane lining your esophagus can become irritated or inflamed, most commonly by the backwash of stomach acid up through the lower esophageal sphincter. This occurrence is often called acid reflux, and it causes heartburn pain. Less commonly, medications can result in esophageal inflammation and produce similar symptoms, explains Pennsylvania's Three Rivers Endoscopy Center at their GIHealth.com website. This inflammation can also worsen the pain associated with GERD. Not all medications have the potential to irritate the esophageal lining, but potassium supplements do.
Drug-Induced Esophagitis
When a potassium supplement or another medication causes or worsens heartburn symptoms, the problem may be called drug-induced esophagitis, explains the Three Rivers Endoscopy Center. Irritation or inflammation occurs when the pill becomes stuck in the esophagus and slowly dissolves. Symptoms include chest pain and pain when swallowing. The condition usually heals quickly.
Risk Factors
A risk factor for this type of esophagitis is a narrowing in the esophagus, which may be caused by a hiatal hernia or a stricture resulting from chronic heartburn. Elderly people are more likely to experience drug-induced esophagitis, partly because the esophagus muscle tends to weaken with age, making swallowing more difficult, notes the Three Rivers Endoscopy Center. Some potassium supplements are more likely than other pills to become stuck because of their large size.
Prevention
You can prevent heartburn or worsening of GERD symptoms connected with potassium supplements with some precautionary measures, advises the Three Rivers Endoscopy Center. Sit or stand when taking the supplement instead of trying to swallow it while lying down, and don't lie down for at least 10 minutes afterward. Drink plenty of fluid with the supplement and at least another 4 oz. of fluid immediately afterward. This ensures you've washed the pill down into your stomach. Taking the potassium supplement with a meal also can help.
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