heartburn acid reflux

[mejh24]

well i have always since i was like 15 had acid reflux problems on and off ,nothing over the counter meds wouldn't take care of . i have had a few bad spells that has put me in the hospital twice my doctor put me on prilosec otc and it did work . wel about 8 months ago i lost my insurance and was having a really hard time finacialy so i stopped taking all meds i was taking 20mg lexapro for an anxiety disorder and .5mg ativan. and prilosec one pill every 24 hours . i have been fine up untill about a month ago all my panic attacks are back worse than ever and just recently a week ago my interjestion and heartburn is back and over the counter meds and the prilosec i went and bought just arent working. well let me take that back the prilosec has given me some relief with the intejestion but the heartburn is still here only easing off every once in a while it burns in my throat and upper chest right after i burp and feels like something is stuck in there. i recently have gotten back on insurance and am waiting for the money to pay copay before i make an appointment. my stomach is constantly bubbleing probably because im hungry i cant eat nothing everything i eat seems to make it worse so i have lost 20 pounds in less than a month but i am over wieght so its not hurting to lose weight. sometimes the heartburn get so bad only at night even if i havent eaten sometimes it gets so bad i get nausiated  but never throw up. i am reserching diets for heartburn patients and trying to follow it as much as possible . i hear that baking soda is a good home remedy is this true and how do i use it . i am not having a hard time swollowing or any coughing. just burning after i burp and the felling something is in my throat.please give me some insight on how seriouse this could be . or why i am not getting no complete relief with prilosec . also could i take other heartburn over the counter meds while i am taking prilosec. i am 25 female thank you .

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi Mejh24,
You are suffering from severe gastroesophgeal reflux.

Prilosec is a good drug and you can continue with that. But I would suggest that you meet your physician for the following purposes -

1. To do an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to  know about the damage caused on the food pipe by the reflux
2. To do 24/ 48 hours pH monitoring
3. To get advise on life style modifications which is very essential for good relief
4. To decide on the dosage of prilosec - whether twice or once daily

Regarding baking soda - yes, it is effective in relieving your symptoms. But it will not heal any damage done by the reflux to your food pipe.

Regarding other OTC medications, they relieve symptoms, but not the  lesions caused by the reflux. Consult your physician before starting on or switching over  any medication .
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

[mejh24]

thanks so much i am going to doc asap i only hope it is not to late ..