GERD symptoms?

I am a 53 female. Normal weight and cholesterol with no history of heart or vascular problems.

I have had as issue with chronic burping.  I have episodes of excess burping for 2-3 months once or twice a year for nearly 6 years. (I am actually part of a conversation thread on this site of people with a similar problem.) I have had most obvious things ruled out- had upper and lower GI as well as colonoscopy. Negative for H. pylori.  Taking Prevacid makes it subside
eventually.

The last "burping" episode lasted longer than ususal- 4 month.  I recently improved significantly so I went off the Prevacid.  However, I am now experiencing something new and I am not sure if it is related.

When I sleep on my side I feel a "heaviness" in my chest that I do not experience if I sleep on my back. The heaviness or burning is situated at to above my breastbone and is a bit more on the right than the left. The heaviness sometimes persists into the day and feels a lot like indigestion or perhaps GERD. Burping does relieve it to some extent but it quickly returns.  I am not on Preacid now.  

I am interested in any feedback you may have, particularly, why sleeping on my side might cause this problem.  

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Chronic GERD can be considered - especially with its response to Prevacid.  A 24-hr pH study is the definitive diagnosis for GERD and can be considered if the symptoms continue.  If the test comes back positive and medication isn't controlling the symptoms, you can consider surgical or endoscopic treatment for the GERD.  

I would also consider an ultrasound to evaluate for liver and gallbladder disease, which can atypically lead to burping.

Irritable bowel disease can also be considered if the tests come back negative.  Treatment with antispasmodic agents can be considered if this avenue is explored.

Non-GI disease like cardiac disease can atypically present like GI symptoms.  A stress test can be discussed to rule out any heart disease to can lead to the chest heaviness.

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.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com