GERD SYMPTOMS

[med123]

I'm a 27 Y/O male, 6'0, was about 198 pounds, now down to 188.  I'm planning to get to about 175 pounds, in hopes that this will decrease my reflux.

Symptoms started about 6 months ago with a chronic cough.  It lasted for 2 months.  Omeprasol didnt help at all.  The only thing that took it away was drinking Apple Cider Vinigar.

The ACV did wonders and things were under control.  I started eating not as well, and symptoms returned.  This time though, my main symptom is Sour Stomach.  A horibble taste in my mouth and throat.  I get it with a full or empty stomach.  However, eating definatly brings it on.  I'm torn between two remedies.  I've tried Zantac, Prilosac and prescribed Omeprasol, and they actually greatly INCREASE my symptoms?  I really never had sour stomach until using the PPI's.  However, ACV seems to work, but its Acid?

I did a Barium swallow, came back normal.  Recently, I've been experiecing chest pains at times.  I'm scheduled for an upper edoscopy with my GI.

Heres my questions.

1.  Would you suggest I purchase a hospital like bed to sleep on, so that I'm proped up as much as possible.  Right now, the head of my bed is up around 12 inches, and I still have some night symptoms.

2.  If Zantac and Prilosac aren't working, what other medications do you suggest I try?

3. Is going to the steam room good for the esophagous?

4. I havent tried Gaviscon, would you suggest it for me?

5.  I'm eating small meals (none after 5pm), bed proped up, Antacids, etc.  Are they any other modifications I could make to help?

BTW, I've never had heart burn, just sour stomach and now some moderate chest pain/discomfort at times.

Thank you very much for your time.

[docbgm]

The URLs on helicobacter pylori...

http://www.helico.com
http://www.findoutaboutacidreflux.com/helicobacter/index.html

[docbgm]

Maybe worth getting them to check you out of Helicobacter Pylori.

I suffered similar symptoms for a while and a couple of months ago I was searching the web for Acid reflux info and I came across this story about a guy who had HP. Sounded similar to my thing so I got myself tested and was positive. Have had the treatment and I am on the mend. Not suffering half as bad as I was.

If you want the site URL I'll dig it out for you.

[Because I Care]

My boyfriend has been suffering from sharp pains in the left side of his chest. It really hurts him when he breathes in deep or sneezes. We had gone to the hospital and they diagnosed him with acid reflex, and prescribed him with Zantac/Rantidine. I am beginning to wonder if thats what it really is or not. The symptoms seem a little bit off for it to be acid reflex. For about 7 months now he has had these symptoms, but just recently has it gotten worse. He says it feels to him that he has air traped in his chest and sometimes cant breathe. He complains about it too when he drinks anything or eats anything. I WISH i could just get some answers and find out what is going on with him.

[lattelucy]

I'm dealing with complications of severe GERD, and rather than buy an expensive hospital bed, I purchased a Matress Genie that inflates under my current mattress and basically turned my existing bed into a hospital-type bed.  Works great for me.  
I found mine at http://contourliving.com/scripts/prodview.asp?idproduct=51  Now I can still use my pillows of choice as well.

[Crampster]

I agree... first get a cofirmation it is GERD...
Also a food diary would not help so you can identify your trigger foods.  Some people start on Carafate...
Other meds that help are Nexium, Prevecid sp?.  Some may work better for you than others. I have had GERD so long that I keep switching.  I seem to have more sucess with GERD.  
Also if you doc determines it is definately GERD/Reflux ... be warned that adding liquids on top of food can also give you the reflux reaction it is not just food.  Stress can also be an issue.

Luck with you diagnosis.
Crampster

[wassupwassabi]

If your symptoms tend to go away with ACV you might be getting sour stomach as the result of not enough acid.  I have a very weak esophagus and Prilosec helps control the heartburn but still have lots of regurgitation... Zantac, Prilosec, etc. are really designed for people that either have a poorly functioning sphincter or whose stomachs produce too much acid.  If your symptoms get worse with acid reducing meds then maybe your food isn't digesting well!  Have you tried digestive enzymes?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) Before discussing treatment, you have to cement the diagnosis.  An upper endoscopy and/or 24-hr pH study can definitively evaluate for GERD.  

2) If GERD is indeed the diagnosis, and medications aren't helping the symptoms, you may want to inquire about surgical option.

3) There is no data supporting the efficacy of steam for your symptoms.

4) I can't make any treatment recommendations over the internet without examination.  You can discuss this question with your personal physician.

5) Those are all recommended actions.  If the symptoms continue, you can discuss surgical options with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_