Need second opinion

I'm a generally healthy 34 year old, never had stomach issuess, I am a healthy weight, but 6 months ago started a stressful job.

I have had a lump-feeling in my throat for two months. Last month, my primary care put me on Prilosec, but when that didnt't work I went to an ENT specialist. The specialist looked down my throat and said I had reflux. (No tests were done.) I have now been on Aciphex for 10 days.

Symptoms:
- lump feeling in throat
- clear the throat constantly
- coughing - dry - just trying to cough up  whatever is in my throat
- burping a lot
- NO heartburn
- stomach and throat feel "tense" in the morning, alleviates a bit during the day (I now sleep upright which helps a little but not a lot)
- Feeling like I have to burp all the time, gets worse when I talk, or even walk around.
- Stomach never feels quite settled
- looser stoools (is this from the Aciphex)?
- Some diffculty swallowing dry food or meat but no pain
- No pain in stomach - except some few stabbing pains but that was after I started taking Aciphex.


Questions:
- Is it really reflux, even if I don't have heartburnn?
- How long should I give the Aciphex  to work?  My symptoms haven't gone away after 10 days on the drug.
- Are there other reasons that my stomach could be  upset??  

My ENT scheduled a follow up for 2 moonths from now, ashould I wait 2 months before asking for more tests? Am I worrying excessively?

Thank you for your advice.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The sensation of a lump in the throat - also called a "globus sensation" - is most commonly caused by reflux.  Other causes can include achalasia, esophageal motility disorders, upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction, or stress.

Further evaluation for these disorders can be done with an upper endoscopy, 24-hr pH study with motility studies, barium swallow studies, as well as laryngoscopic studies by your ENT physician.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
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.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[nickodemus]

in some cases i heard it can take up to 3 to 6 months so hang in there and i know you will feel better i hope you reply or tell us if any change has occured is that clear.