what is reflux? what tests are done to determine if you have it?

my throat feels constricted, like i have something stuck in it. i dont know if its from all of the vomiting and dry heaving i have been doing. could it be reflux? ive tried prevacid and nexium and aciphex and i always throw them up approx 10 min after taking them. any info? how do u know if u have it?

[LindaRacine]

I'm not sure if it's like this for everyone, but in my case, the only symptom of reflux was having a very acidic mix of my stomach contents backing up into my throat.  It would leave a taste in my mouth that nothing would mask, for about an hour afterward.  I avoid the symptoms by taking Zantac every night and avoiding eating acidic foods late in the day, and not eating for at least three hours before retiring.

--Linda

[cody cat]

thank you for your reply...did you vomit a lot along with the back up of acid? i havent tried zantac, i dont believe. i will try that. i will try anything!!! :)

[Concerned lady]

Run these "tips" by your doc, and if your doc has no objections, try these tips for 2 weeks. You may be pleasantly surprised by good results, if you do have GERD:

Some GASTRIC REFLUX TIPS (without acid blockers):

Please check with your doctor, first, before trying these tips to be sure they are safe, in your particular situation.

GER=Gastro-Esophageal Reflux. (Gastro=stomach. Esophagus=food tube.)

LPR= Laryngeal-Pharyngeal Reflux. LPR is one type of GER. (Larynx=voice box, containing the 2 vocal cords. Pharynx=throat, above the larynx. The larynx is above the trachea/windpipe.)

Reflux=acidic or alkaline stomach material that backs up into the esophagus (food tube), causing any of these problems (at least): VCD/Vocal Cord Dysfunction/Laryngospasm attacks, cough, voice problems, asthma, globus (feeling of lump in throat), constant need to clear throat, much extra throat mucus, worsening of sinus condition, sore throat, laryngitis, voice problems, pre-cancerous conditions of throat &/or esophagus, etc.

SOME GER/LPR CONTROL THINGS WE DO, that we learned from the excellent book: STOMACH AILMENTS AND DIGESTIVE DISTURBANCES, by Michael T. Murray, N.D. See page 9, References, in my website: http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com   and, also see GER/LPR info on page 5, and on LINKS page.

PLEASE READ THIS GREAT BOOK. It may possibly be bought on-line, from Michael T. Murray

[LindaRacine]

I swallowed instead of vomiting.  It was really gross.  The Zantac I take is RX.  Not sure if the over the counter stuff would work for me.

--Linda