What could be wrong with me?

Hi,for the last year or so I have been having problems with my stomach being tight.I have an appitite but sometimes I don't feel like eating because I feel full and uncomfortable.I also have things that follow this,like belching a lot,clearing my throat,and coughing.This sometimes causes shortness of breath.Just recently I noticed that every once in a while I will gag a little after eating.But that goes away after about 15 minutes.I have noticed too that I have formed a cough but I dont seem to have much flem (phlegm) comming up.It feels more like an allergy cough but I do it a lot.Sometimes when I eat it seems that the food goes down slow and I get a burning sensation in my chest.I been to the doctor for this had chest xrays,blood test,everything came up good but my bad cholestrol was kind of high.I'am only 28 years old male and I'am concerned about this.could some of this be caused by anxity or depression,bad habbits I don't know, could you help me figure my problems out and suggest what I should do.Thank you matt.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You note a "tight" stomach, gagging after eating, clearning your throat and a burning sensation in your chest.

Possibilities would include GERD (heartburn), inflammation of the esophagus or stomach, an ulcer or gastroparesis.  I would suggest an upper GI series as an initial test.  If that is negative, then an upper endoscopy would be the most reasonable next step.

If GERD, an ulcer or inflammation turns out the be the diagnosis, the first step would be some kind of acid blocker, such as Prilosec or Zantac.  

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.

[midsummer]

Hello.....I have the same problems as you and have been diagnosed with Achalasia???????
Have you had motility tests and upper GI scopes?????
I have problems breathing when I eat as food stays in my oesphagus for long periods which seems to restrict my airflow and I cannot speak either when I have just eaten.....do you have any voice problems????

[sunny_one]

You might also try checking for parasites - this is done with a stool test.