GERD and Nexium questions.

Hello, I'm new to this site. I was recently diagnosed with GERD, and prescribed to nexium. Today is the 2 week mark of taking nexium. The only symptom I seem to get is really bad belching and it feels like there is a lump in my throat, those were the same symptoms I had when I was diagnosed. I had the same symptom for about a month before i went in. Maybe once or twice did I get heartburn or get an acidic taste in my mouth. Like I wrote, it's been two weeks on the nexium and the belching is still present. It's awful, it will last for hours, and I feel like a had thrown up after it stops. Just wanted your thoughts on that one.

Now nexium, I've had a headache for 2 weeks, not a bad one but persistent. I read that is one of the side effects, just wondering if it's common for the headache to last that long from the medication. Also my stool is a light shade of yellow and always different consistencies, like today it was real thin but still that same shade. Just curious if that is also side effect from the nexium or not. I'm starting to worry because I haven't seen a reduction of gas yet. I also read that the symptoms become worse if you lie down. I don't find that to be true, if I lie down with my torso angled up a bit the gas seems to go away. My doctor didn't run any tests, they did take a blood sample to check for bacteria but it came back negative. Are there any test I should recommend to have done?

Your thoughts,
Jeff

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi Jeff_Licht,
The confirmatory tests for GERD is 24 hours pH monitoring.You need an Upper GI endoscopy also for your symptoms.

Nexium alone will not give good results in all patients. Life style modifications are also needed -
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

Head ache is a known side effect of Nexium. Loose stool is also known to occur with nexium. If the side effects affect you too much or if it persists for a long time consult your doctor.
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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.

[km1500]

My mother was prescribed a medication by NYU Medical Ctr.doctor which she does not need because of her poor English. If you need Nexium 40 mg capsules, quantity 30, from Walgreens, please make a fair offer. Good luck on your problem!  

[Jeff_Licht]

Thank you for the reply. I have already started all of the of the lifestyle changes you listed but one. My doctor told me the same things. I'm 6 foot 3 and weight 165 so weight reduction is not something I'm willing to do. I'll let my doctor know about the headache I've had every day since the start of nexium. My main concern is the belching and how it has not gone away. Which was the main reason I went to the doctor to begin with. I'll just have to wait and see, I have a checkup / physical on april 10th and If i'm not improved by then I'll request the tests you mentioned.

Thank you again very much, I really do appreciate you taking time out to answer me.

Jeff