Questions in the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum have been answered by Dr. Kevin Pho who is board certified in Internal Medicine and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Subject: Re: Strange esophagus symptom
Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic Area: Digestive
Posted by HFHSM.D.-rf on May 07, 1998 at 10:43:58:
In Reply to: Strange esophagus symptom posted by Allen on May 04, 1998 at 01:38:10:


I get a strange symptom in my esophagus. It is like a rising feeling of a bubble in my esophagus/throat. It can come on anytime but most often happens right after I begin eating or particularly when I am under stress. It can be severe enough to be jarring to my system and I feel a little weak afterward. It usually only lasts a second or two but occasionally longer which causes anxiety in that I feel that I may have some type of a seizure? I am particularly concerned about this being a life threating attack or a serious problem. My allergist has seen signs of Acid Reflex in my throat. Can this be a caused by that? I do not have the burning, indigestion or acid taste usually associated with GERD. Anticids help to a degree and my doctor suggested Prilosec. Are there any downsides to taking Prilosec? Your help in identifying the cause of the symptoms or any advice you can give is appreciated.

___

Dear Allen,
I was very interested in your letter. The sensation of a bubble in your throat with eating is very suggestive of swallowed air although some additional information is needed. Is the symptom painful or merely unusual? How frequent is this problem? Is it something new or a chronic condition? Do you feel better if you belch or does the symptom subside spontaneously? It is quite common for people to swallow air and to have symptoms related to air in the GI tract. (If you have other symptoms related to swallowing, weight loss, or vomiting then we would need to consider other possible explanations). Your symptoms are not those that we usually associate with a seizure.

I do not think that your symptom is related to acid reflux into the esophagus. Reflux symptoms are usually a burning sensation in the pit of the stomach or behind the chest bone. Patients may complain of swallowed food returning to the mouth. Sometimes, the food will stick in the chest during swallowing or the act of swallowing will be painful. Voice hoarseness and inflamed vocal cords can also be manifestations of reflux.

If antacids improve your symptoms, I would continue with this therapy. Based on the symptoms that you describe, I would not prescribe Prilosec. Although this drug does not have any major common adverse side effects, it is not evident to me that the drug will improve your symptoms.

This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.

HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: esophageal reflux, acid, Prilosec
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