Severe Scratchy Throat (from GERD and possibly allergies) Please help!

[amberleytrei91]

Hi all! I have been suffering from a severe scratchy throat for the past few months. It's so aggravating sometimes I can't even think. It gets very dry sometimes as well. I have tried Biotene mouth wash to soothe it, but this is just a temporary fix. I was so frustrated, I went to the ENT. He told me that allergies may be part of the problem but most of my problem can be attributed to GERD. He prescribed me prilosec 40 mg. This helped a little for a while but now the scratchy throat has returned. At the advice of a pharmacist, I was told to try Zantac, not everyday but I have tried it for the past 72 hours and I'm going to not take it tomorrow since it's not good to mix two acid blockers. But nothing is helping. I'm so exasperated from this, it's untolerable. Please help, I need some advice. What has worked for you.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the GERD forum.

GERD can be the result of  untreated allergies....and may not be the main issue....some see a case of GERD and think treat that and the other issues go away....but you need to know which started first....

Zantac is a histamine blocker so that is good to start with...but you may need an antihistamine to help with the allergies...Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor and may not be the med for you . I don't understand taking both....

I would address your allergies...be they food or environmental....keep a journal to see if you can figure out your triggers for symptoms to worsen...

Modify your diet and lifestyle and see what helps.....

Keep us posted on your progress.

[amberleytrei91]

Hi Selma!

I was put on the Prilosec by my ENT and I may just tell him it's really not cutting the cheese. I honestly think it's a little bit of both, allergies (most likely to dust bc that always irritates me) and of course the reflux. I can feel the reflux b/c I can feel the acid when I burp, gross I know, sorry for the TMI haha.

I didn't know Zantac was a histamine blocker. That's so interesting. I have tried allegra and it really doesn't help either, I have also tried Claritin. Benadryl seems to make the scratchy throat/dry throat worse. I also use Flonase daily. I'm just not sure what to do or where to turn b/c I'm really trying to do everything right. I'm planning on maybe rescheduling the follow up with the ENT to see if I can go in sooner.

Blessings always,
Amberley

[dlucilled]

Hey aberleytrei91,
I have had that on and off scratchy throat from GERD off and on for years.  I tried a gluten free diet and my GERD went away.  I have stopped taking my proton pump inhibitors for awhile now.  I would suggest to stop carbonated sodas, caffeine, alcohol, citrus, dairy, tomatoes, peppers and potatoes and gluten for 1 week. Then reintroduce only gluten products for a day or two and see how you feel. Continue your PPI during this time.  If your symptoms come back it is gluten. If the symptoms do not come back then reintroduce another food. Keep a food diary on your intake and symptoms.  If it is a food intolerance the symptoms may not start immediately after eating. It could be a day or two.  

Another suggestion is to raise the head of your bed when you sleep to prevent the acid going into your esophagus.  Your docs probably told you that.  But I took aciphex for 10 years, and had IBS for 30 years and no doctor ever told me to stop consuming gluten.