Do I have acid reflex?

I have had these attacks for the past 15years but they are getting worse. My face turns white and I experience a choaking feeling around my neck like someone is strangling me. The pain then goes down my neck and keeps getting tighter and tighter until it reaches my breast bone. Its just extremely tight and breathing is very shallow. While the attack is happening you can not touch the breast bone and it also swells. After the attack I am very weak and exhausted. I sometimes pass out. The last attack my hands and feet turned purple. Any suggestions of what this might be? I sought medical attention they say I have acid reflex but no tests have been done on me. I desperately need someone to give me some advice.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Gastric reflux can cause the throat symptoms you describe, but there are other things to consider.  For instance, GERD does not cause people to pass out, have shallow breathing or turn your hands and feet purple.  

There are various ENT disorders such as angioedema or an allergic reaction that can cause the throat tightness you describe.  This is something that I would consider first before GERD.  

I would suggest a referral to either an allergist or an ENT physician for further evaluation.  If these referrals are not revealing, then you may want to consider GERD as a diagnosis.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[silverstanger]

I agree, the other symptoms besides the throat problem doesn't sound like acid reflux man. I have some of the worse symptoms of reflux and it has never made me feel like the latter part of your descriptions.

Get a second opinion!!