Please Help!

[sinead_]

Hello. I am getting really worried here.  The problem is constant burping & burning.  I have NEVER been a belcher... in fact, throughout my life several friends & family members have even tried to "teach" me how to do it & I have maybe gotten out a pitiful 10-20 in my life.  For the past week I have been REALLY uncomfortable.  It started after eating pizza one afternoon & hasn't stopped.  I was initially feeling some pretty bad heartburn... which led me to eat some Tums... minimal help there.  I figured it would go away in a few days max... but its been a week.  I have moved on to Gaviscon liquid which has ALWAYS killed any occasional reflux/heartburn instantly for me... this time it only works sometimes, sometimes not.  

When I first get up I seem ok, but if I eat... within a 1/2 hour or so the BURPING & GURGLING in my throat starts.  It feels like excessive air bubbles trapped in there that want to get out.  A short while later there will also be some burning in my upper chest & especially my throat.  I cannot believe the burping... I have NEVER experienced this.  I am worried & can't see the Dr for 2 more weeks.

I have cut out all acidic foods, coffee, soda pop, etc... all the culprits... but it has not stopped.  Yesterday I ate a green salad & grilled salmon... but it felt like I ate a bowl of garlic & onions & washed it down with 2L of Coke!  I will even get this on an empty stomach with only eating a banana!  Or toast!

I am scared here.  This came on so suddenly it is scaring me... I have had heartburn before... but why would it last 7 days?!  I am scared this could be a hernia or something wrong with my gallbladder etc... if it is... what are they gonna do to me?  

Aside from the burping & burning there are no other symptoms... my tummy doesn't hurt, no rib/shoulder pains etc... digestion seems ok.  So..........  What does this sound like?

Please Help!?!?!?

[sinead_]

ok... thanks

[Ratnakar Kini]

Hi,
These are symptoms of GERD.
You can take OTC Prilosec till you visit your doctor.
Lifestyle modifications also are important.
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