What are symtoms of Reflux disorder?

[Delpierre]

I am 69 year old male 6ft 1in. 224 lbs lost 25 lbs in the last four weeks. Sleep well for about 6 hours I am on 15mg maxide and have a histoy of mineares disease. I am sick about an hour after eating with pain in chest and trouble deep breathing. I am scheduled for barium upper G.I but very anxious about taking it.  I was very ill a few years ago after that test, what are  my options if any, thank you.

[minnierice]

Recently I underwent a 3rd endoscopy because I continue to get pain in the chest like a burning and also in my tip of the esophagus. The heart has been ruled out as far as MI,ischemia
they did find trace of mitral valve prolapse. When I swallow food it would get stuck in my throat and hurt going into the esophagus-stomach. I've had manometry, and barium swallow,3 endoscopy done The last was the best cause the doctor dialated and saw some stenosis in the cricoidphayngeal area. He also inserted a Bravo. After procedure though I swallow food and it's very painful in the pit of my stomach (between breats bone). Is this a common thing to happen with bravo capsule in place? I also have lupus and maybe it's all caused from the Lupus, who knows? I try to eat salads and chew well but it still hurts. I now drink Boost twice a day cause of fear that it will hurt.
Doctor do you have any ideas?
Thanks,
Lourdes

[whimbly]

the above statement about drinking lots of water after an upper body gi is extremly important as I was not told to do this and my system got backed up and that was last febuary and i am convinced it has done damage on something. The test itself is nothing to be worried about and is actually kinda interesting. The outcome of my exam was the definate answer that I have a hiatus hernia and acid reflex. I have been told this is common but the tighness in the chest you have described is bad and it feels as if my ribs are stretching.
I hope all goes well for you.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are several considerations.  This would include the various causes of dyspepsia, such as inflammation of the esophagus or stomach, GERD, an ulcer or a mass (i.e. cancer).  

The best test for someone who is 69 years old would be the upper endoscopy (gastroscopy).  This is a comprehensive evalation of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine.  Tests for H Pylori - a bacteria that is associated with inflammation - should also be done

An upper GI series is a reasonable place to start as well.  If these two tests are negative, I would consider a 24-hr pH study to make sure that GERD is not an issue.  

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[nadia]

An option to the Barium Upper G.I. would be a gastroscopy.  You would be given mild IV sedation to put you into a twilight state and then they spray the back of the throat with a numbing solution and shortly after proceed to insert an endoscope down the throat and into the stomach. They will probably take a few biopsies to check for H. Pylori among other things. It really is a painless procedure and is over very quickly.  I have had it done twice and don't remember anything about the second procedure.  The first, I asked for very little sedation and was awake for the entire procedure. The recovery is very quick and you will go home within the next couple of hours. If your barium study comes up positive, you may have to go on to the gastroscopy anyway.  I hope this helps!

[tessa0825]

You don't say but I wonder if you were ill from not drinking enough water afterwards to flush the barium from your system? Its very important to drink alot so that you get rid of it before it hardens. Will cause all sorts of problems if left in there.....24 HR PH study is also used to evaluate reflux.....EGD is the best when looking for damage caused from reflux....Good luck...I hope you feel better soon....