REFLUX

MY SON HAS HAD PROBLEMS FOR THE LAST YEAR NOW WHERE HE EXPERIENCED IN THE NIGHT A REFLUX BUT THIS IS NOT ACID. IT IS MORE LIKE FROTHY SALIVER HE SAYS. HE ALSO HAS A CONTINUOS PAIN ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE JUST ABOVE WAIST LEVEL. HE HAS SEEN HIS GP BUT HE DOSEN'T SEEM TO ATTACH ANY IMPORTANCE TO THIS REFLUX AND HAS SAID THE PAIN IS REFERRED FROM LOWER BACK PAIN.

HE FINDS THIS VERY DISTRESSING AND SAYS THAT IF HE DIDN'T WAKE TO SPIT OUT THE FROTH HE THINKS HE WOULD CHOKE. TO PUT THE FULL PICTURE MY SON HAS OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS DRUNK MORE THAN HE SHOULD HAVE DONE AND I SUPPOSE THIS COULD COME INTO THE EQUASION. I SHOULD BE MOST GRATEFUL FOR ANY ADVICE YOU MAY BE ABLE OFFER

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Reflux, inflammation of the upper digestive tract (i.e. gastritis or esophagitis, possibly from the increased alcohol), as well as an ulcer can all be considered.

An upper GI series or upper endoscopy would be a reasonable place to start.  If reflux continues to be a concern, you can consider a 24-hr pH study for a more definitive diagnosis.

These options should be discussed with your personal physician or in consultation with a GI 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