Question Title: Constant Belching/Burning in Stomach and Chest

Hello. I have had some really strange symtoms of late. I used to lay down for the night and about an hour later be awakened by a liquid rushing back up making me vomit. I would then lay on two or three pillows the rest of the night and was fine in the morning. This newest thing is when I wake up in the a.m. I have severe pain in my back between my shoulder blades and then it radiates around to the front of my chest. It sometimes is very hard to breathe (catch a breath). After that goes away, I try to eat. I can hear and feel this constant belching---all day long. I also have a lot of burning sensation in my stomach and chest. These are relatively new symptoms but I can't stand how it feels. I'm am taking Zantac 150 prescribed by my primary care physician. I have an appointment but not until Sept 15. Are these symptoms worth investigating? I am other med's for other medical problems: calan, aspirin, levoxyl, and motrin as needed along with the zantac. I seriously can not stand the burning feeling--I feel as though I could vomit. Please, any info would be greatly appreciated.

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Dear Gloria,
I agree with Paul in the diagnosis of your symptoms as well as with his advice regarding treatment. Your symptoms are very suggestive of acid reflux into the esophagus. It is appropriate to start with a drug such as Zantac for initial therapy. If this medication works then no other drugs are needed. If symptoms persist, as in your case, then treatment with a proton pump inhibitor, such as Prevacid or Prilosec is needed.

You ask if your symptoms should be investigated. I think that an upper endoscopy would be appropriate because you have not had a good response to therapy. The endoscopy will assess the extent of esophageal inflammation as well as exclude Barrett's esophagus, a premalignant condition that can be associated with reflux.

This information is provided for educational purposes only. Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.

HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: esophageal reflux
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