is it esophagitis?

Sometimes, mostly when I am sitting or lying down, whether I have already eaten or not, I feel a light weight in the middle of my chest and abnormal heart beats and I want to belch when I stand up or move.
I already made heart examinations and there is no problem. I do not feel any pain just discomfort. Is it esophagitis or is it simple anxiety - psychosomatic? Can you help me?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The heart certainly needs to be ruled out first.  This can be evaluated with a stress test and/or an echocardiogram.

If the heart is ok, I would look at GI causes - such as inflammation (i.e. esophagitis/gastritis), GERD, an ulcer, or gallbladder disease.

Workup can start with an upper GI series or upper endoscopy.  Blood tests for H Pylori can be considered as well.  

Further testing, including an abdominal ultrasound, can be considered if the diagnosis is not clear.

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.
kevinmd_b

[SamSam123]

I wonder if I can get some feedback or advice.I am 26 and I have had problems with my health for the past year and have lost a lot of weight. It started with difficulty swallowing, and progressively got worse in that I started to suffer from anxiety too (which i have never had before). I get palpitations, breathlessness, lightheadedness, difficulty swallowing (even sometimes liquids), constant need to burp but it is lodged in my chest,sharp pains in my chest, pressure/build up of air on my chest which bubbles but is lodged. If i do burp I get relief for literally a few seconds then it builds up.I find it hard to take a deep breath and hold it because i feel so 'full'. I have had a barium swallow which showed some reflux and I wonder if this all comes from there.I have had an ECG before which was normal but the palpatations and irregular heat beat continue at times. Doctors are telling me it is anxiety but I dont really believe it,it is affecting my life and I do not enjoy food anymore and my diet is quite bad.

Has anyone experienced anything similar and what did they do?  I am getting desperate....

[Nicole311]

I have Gastroparesis and often have the symptoms you are describing before my menstrual cycle. I believe the hormone fluctations worsen my condition. Do you notice that your symptoms get worse before you cycle as well? If so, you may want to try the pill if you are not opposed to birth control as it may regulate your hormones. I hear it really helps some people with delayed motility.

Unfortunately, I can't take the pill - even the lowest dosage makes me sick so my only relief is to clean out my system and stick to a liquid diet for a few days before the cycle. Drinking ensure or slimfast may help you get the nutrients you need and get you through the days.

The doctors told me the same thing before I was diagnosed with GP - that I may have an anxiety disorder...of course you will be anxious after being so sick all the time plus your nervous system controls your digestive muscles so if there is an issue there, your entire nervous system could be off balance. I saw a neorologist citing trouble swallowing, anxiety & a temporary movement disorder from Reglan (GP drug) and he gave me Requip(anti parkinson's drug to regulate dopamine levels) which put me in complete remission for a year and a half. Maybe seeing a neuroliogist could help you too.

Well Good luck & feel better soon!

[SamSam123]

Well finally I am getting somewhere (fingers crossed). I am on lansoprazole and have been referred for an endoscopy (camera down the throat) to see what is happening and then will take it fom there.  I hope they find something minor so that I know why this is happening but that can also be treated. If there is nothing then I am back at square one again.  Has anyone had this and can they tell me what it was like?