GERD?

Posted By  Andy Paez on April 16, 1999 at 22:33:13
Topic Area: Gastroenterology - General
  Need a second opinion to reassure myself.  A few months ago started to have a feeling of a burp coming up my throat with very slight nausea feeling.  This continued and then after this would happen I would have a awful metal (sour) taste in mouth. A few times only would I have actual liquid come half way up my throat. I had a severe heatburn but only a few times.  I have a dull ache behind my breastbone but not always.Went to my family doctor who said right away this was Gerd and gave me prevacid.  Iam confused because it was air coming up not liquid or reflux type material. Well I have taken the prevacid for 2 weeks and not longer have that metal taste in mouth but still I feel like I have a burp stuck in my throat and at times it kind of flutters. Could this be something other that GERD?  How about anxiety because I had a aunt die of stomach cancer at age 48...diagnosed at 40 (my age) and this is all making me very anxious!  No weigh loss, blood in stool or vomiting .  Should I have a blood test for H pylori to be on the safe side?  Thank you for any advise you can give me.

[HFHSM.D.-ym]

_
Patty,
Sure sounds like GERD to me.  I was diagnosed about two weeks ago after a bout
with nausea that lasted about a week before I started seeing my doctor about it.
I really don't recall having much else in the way of symptoms, but I had a
previous bout with stomach pain about 4 months ago that was alleviated by
Zantac.  When this nausea started, I was scared myself as, of course, I started
self-diagnosing using web sites like *************.com (Dr. Dean Edell's)and
always thought I had symptoms of the worst things (stomach cancer, for one).
My doc did some blood tests and a chest x-ray, then an abdominal ultrasound...
all normal.  My doctor then started me on Prilosec because I wasn't able to
completely shake the nausea with the Zantac.  The Prilosec did a pretty good
job but I was still having symptoms (namely, lots of stomach churning just
below the sternum, particularly in the morning and after eating, a sensation
of a lump in my throat with some throat soreness and hoarseness when I spoke,
and some nausea).  Finally, my doc sent me for an upper GI series where my
GERD was diagnosed, along with gastritis and duodenitis which, I am presuming,
are secondary to the GERD.  I would not second guess your doctor, of course,
but if you are truly concerned about the diagnosis, perhaps you could consult
with him about a definitive test for GERD.  For a good explanation of GERD
and its symptoms, I'd recommend http://www.gerd.com ., an excellent resource.
Hope everything works out healthy for you.  Cheers, andy paez
Posted by HFHSM.D.-ym on April 27, 1999 at 14:07:34

Dear Andy,
Your symptoms are suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Anxiety and stress can sometimes aggravate gastrointestinal symptoms. Regurgitation of liquids, sour taste in the mouth, heartburn and an inability to expel air, belching and burping are all consistent with GERD. Lansoprazole (Prevacid) is a potent inhibitor of acid secretion and is very effective for many patients with GERD, however, it may take a while longer before you feel completely better (up to 8 weeks). GERD is a chronic condition and may require maintenance medical therapy. Anti-reflux measures are lifestyle and dietary modifications which are also helpful in relieving symptoms. If your symptoms persist despite an adequate trial of medical therapy further testing to exclude other gastrointestinal conditions (esophageal motility disorder, gastric emptying disorder) may be indicated. If your symptoms are confirmed to be secondary to GERD, surgery may help relieve your symptoms. However, surgery should only be considered as a last resort. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
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