Acid Reflux Help?

Hi I have researched GERD a bunch on line, trying to avoid going to see a doctor again, (I went about a year ago and he gave me sample packets of PREVACID, I took it for two days altered my diet and everything was fine after four days.) The time a year ago my symptoms were casuing me to feel nausea and vomit. Now it has started up again and I felt a burp like pressure. I dont feel any burning like having heartburn. I went back on a very strict healthy diet and the burping went away. Now I feel like I have air trapped in my stomich and all the food I do eat gives me one good burp right after I eat it (which tells me my stomich has already started digesting it) but then all other air feels stuck inside. I'm hearing wierd rumblings, noises. And it got so bad I tried the prevacid again and nothing has changed. I started with the burping about 8 days ago, five days ago it stopped with the constant rising of gas bubbles into my neck and now it just feels like trapped air. I have lost a little weight already, I'm eating all healthy safe foods and much less on the portions then usual, so I dont know how to cut back anymore. The help sections I've read say to eat less, eat healthy, raise your bed, and the fact that these symptoms are happening for twice as long as the last time is scaring me into thinking that maybe this isnt a gerd issue. Could that be the case? If you think it is an acid reflux scenario what more can I do to make this go away? And also do you think the air pressure build up I feel, yet with no burning sensations means I dont have enough acid? Or do you think I have scared my esophogus? Because those are the two conclusions that seem to support my symptoms when I've researched online. It isn't really painful, just incredibly annoying. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
Though heartburn is the classical sign of GERD, it need not be present in all persons with GERD.
Burping may occur due to swalloed air ( swallowing occurs subconsciously - called aerophagia). Burping is also a feature of GERD and ulcer disease.

To decrease aerophagia - Avoid chewing gum, eating quickly, and eating gas-producing foods and beverages.

PPI are to be atken to treat both GERD and ulcers. If GERD is not responding to one type of PPI another may be tried. You also have to modify lifestyles.-

Lifestyle modifications -
1. Head elevation while sleeping
2. Small frequent meals
3. Going to bed 2- 3 hours after food
4. Avoiding bed time snacks
5. Avoiding smoking and alcohol
6. Avoiding tight fitting clothes
7. Avoiding cola, citrus drinks, carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, spicy food
8. Weight reduction


If ther is no improvement , 24 hours pH monitoring has to be done. An upper GI endoscopy may done to look for ulcers and complications of GERD.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.