gerd

i have had gerd for about 2 years now.  i have been on previcid , 30 mg twice a day.. i was working for awhile but now doesnt seem to be doing nothing...a couple days ago i had a attack at night where my esophagus woke me up hurting so bad that i thought i was going to have to go to the hospital,, i couldnt swallow without it hurting , even water hurt,, this went on all day,, it still hurt when i swallow but not as bad as that night.. it feels like something is stuck or something is in there. hurts to breath and my stomach is starting to hurt... i had my gallbladder taken out 5 years ago also.. i have had nothing but problems with my bowels ever since that.. i have been having alot of diarreha, yellow , bright yellow bowelmovements... what could this be.. i have a dr. apt. next week, but im getting really worried about all of this going on inside me... can gerd make you have diarreha, and what about the pain in the esophagus.. please any help would be appreceated thank you,     barb

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi buddysmom,
GERD does not cause diarrhea. But PPIs taken for treating GERD can cause diarrhea as one of their side effects.
For the night time pain (nocturnal breakthrough) you can take zantac once at bed time in addition to prevacid you are taking twice daily.
But consult your doctor before taking  additional medications.
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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.