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She asked me whether bending over like that would cause “heartburn”, something she’s felt lately when bending over like that? Anyone have any idea of what she’s talking about?

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Yes, that can cause heartburn. As others have said you can get a handheld shower head and install it yourself. We have had one for years and it even has an off switch so you can turn it off before you try to hang it up again.
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Reply to JustAnon
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If she had a shower head that could be hand held, she could wash her hair in the shower without getting her face wet. Buy on Amazon and install yourself. It's easy.
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Reply to Fawnby
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Search "caps to wash hair in the shower" you will see all kinds of stuff. I used the hand held shower head with mom putting her head back and a handtowel over her face. The handheld shower heads can be bought at Walmart under $20.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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Ahh the potential caus3 and effect theory. This might be something to ask a doctor to search for an answer. If she also bends over with routine work like weeding or laundrey, should that also cause the problem? She could try taking a PPI in the morning to see if it goes away. I am a sink washer all my adult life. So I would be resistant to change without a definitive answer. I get heartburn for a different reason that was found by endoscopy. My problem was a surprise. If she is a morning washer, the heartburn might arise from night time reflux. She could have a hiatal hernia or something else.
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Reply to MACinCT
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At 92 I highly doubt you can teach her a new way to wash her hair unless an aide is washing her hair for her. Yes, the position could cause heartburn. You should talk to her PCP about this and maybe they will try putting her on a PPI medication.
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Reply to ShirleyDot
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Yes, bending over can cause acid reflux, also known as heartburn.
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Reply to brandee
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To prevent heartburn when washing hair, adjust the routine to avoid completely bending the head forward, which puts pressure on the stomach. Instead, wash hair while sitting upright at a salon-style sink, taking a shower, or using a specialized Hair Washing Tray to keep gravity working in your favor. 

Key Lifestyle Adjustments

Time meals carefully: Never bend over or lie down within 2 to 3 hours of eating a meal.
Avoid large portions: Switch to several small meals throughout the day to reduce stomach fullness.
Adjust clothing: Loosen belts or any restrictive garments around the waist before washing or grooming.
Manage trigger foods: Limit intake of highly acidic, fried, or fatty foods, chocolate, and caffeine, as these can weaken the esophageal sphincter.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Solutions

Antacids: For immediate, short-term relief, OTC antacids can neutralize stomach acid quickly.
H2 Blockers: Medications like famotidine (Pepcid) can reduce acid production for longer periods.
Alginates: Products that form a physical "foam barrier" over stomach contents are highly effective when bending over. 

When to See a Doctor

In older adults, heartburn can sometimes mimic or mask other conditions, such as angina or heart-related issues. Consult a physician or gastroenterologist if symptoms are chronic, do not respond to lifestyle changes, or if there is difficulty swallowing.
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Reply to 97yroldmom
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