reflux or what

hi i am a young 74 year old female  i have had trouble keeping my food down since i was a child at that time never heard of acid reflux one doctor said it was nerves then another said spasem  on and on now its acid reflux i started with tums  and went all throu the meds then the mircle drug prilac and now the blessed relefe  with nexium 40 mg a day  about a year ago i started having a burning  so bad it hurt and  most im doing yard work or just walking especily if the air is cold it is worse it gets so bad i feel like i cant breathe, i will slow down put my hand over my mouth and slow my breathing , its not in my chest but the bottom of my throat dr  checked out my heart been thru test after test ent said hiperventlating my throat stayes raw and when i catch cold its in the throat, ent found nudle on thyroids checked out ok  always had low blood presure but all of a sudden it runs low high, no meds yet, one more thing

around here our dr are over worked they never have time to  talk to you about there findings  the only thing im sure that i have is acid reflux and that is controled by nexium  never have heart burn anymore

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Acid reflux would be the most common causes.  Other possibilites would include anatomical abnormalities (a mass), stricture, polyp, an ulcer or inflammation of the upper GI system.  

I would first start off with a barium swallow and upper GI series.  These tests can evaluate for most of the diseases mentioned abouve.  

The definitive test for acid reflux would be a 24-hr pH study.  If the upper GI tests are not conclusive, you may want to consider this.

Another consideration would be an upper endoscopy.  This is a scope that provides a comprehensive look at the upper GI system.  

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.