GERD and lump in throat

I have written before about spasms of my stomach and esophagus, you mentioned GERD or a possible Ulcer.  I went to my dr and he prescribed Prilosec.  That is like the greatest creation on earth.  Before i started taking the prilosec i always felt a gnawing in my stomach like I didn't know if I was hungry or not.  I have been on the medicine now for almost 2 weeks and for the first time in years I feel full. I didn't know if GERD would cause the constant gnawing feeling.  I thought I Had IBS but it seems most of my symptoms are GERD related.   I was taking a bottle of 72 tums a week prior to the prilosec.  I am worried though because I still sometimes feel like something is stuck in my throat.  The spasms have gotten soooooooo much better, they are barely noticeable and the feeling that something stuck there isn't there all the time but it starts with a tightening of my throat then it feels like theres a glob of gum there stuck or something.  It almost feels like sinus drainage or something.  I just never can tell what GERD causes or whats just normal.  Also before the prilosec I always had mucousy stools and those have gone away.  Could the acid of been upsetting my stomach and the body creates mucous to protect the stomach or something??  Thanks so much!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I'm glad that you are feeling better.  If you are still feeling something in your throat, you may want to consider an ENT evaluation to ensure there isn't anything else going on.  A laryngoscopy can be consider as the next diagnostic test.  Chronic sinusitis would also be a consideration, and this could be evaluated by the ENT.  

Regarding the hypothesis of the increased mucous - I am not aware of that possibility.  If you continue to have mucous in the stools an endoscopy can be considered for further evaluation (i.e. inflammatory bowel disease).  

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.

Kevin, M.D.
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