Stomach Reflux

I have been suffering from stomach reflux for the past two years now.  I don't have symptoms of acid reflux patients such as heartburn, regurgitation and stomach aches.  I only have a bad case of reflux.  I have seen several doctor's about my condition.   I have had an endoscopy and GERD with BRAVO.  Each doctor stated that I don't have acid but that I do have reflux.  The condition is at its worse in the morning when I wake up and right after a meal.  I have to constantly clear my thoat throughout the day.  It feels as if there is mucous in my throat.  Sometimes when I breathe, I can hear a crackling sound in my throat as if the fluid from my stomach is sitting in my throat.  I have to constantly clear my throat to push it back down.  Sometimes it's so thick, I have to cough to make it go down.  My doctor said that the food that I eat is refluxing back into my esophagus and into my throat.  This feeling is very annoying.  I have tried Nexium, Protonix, sinus medicines and other antacids.  None of them have helped my condition.  I have also tried a vitamin from the health foods store called Vitazym.  It doesn't work neither.  What can I do about this?  

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
In addition to PPI certain lifestyle modifications are essential for relief of symptoms.

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
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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.