Acid reflux?

[jono]

Hi, I have been having problems with my chest for the last 5 months. Initially it was thought to be caused by asthma but taking the prescribe medication did not help. I had some pain in the chest and went to the emergency room just to make sure it was not my heart. I had an EKG done there which was fine and the doctor on duty assured me that it was not a heart attack. Following on from that I had a 24 hour BP monitor and a stress test they were all fine so my doctor has ruled out the heart.

Now we are going down the road of investigating Acid reflux or hetial hernia. I have been put on Protium 20mg once a day to reduce the amount of acid to see if it helps I have been taking them for 2 weeks. I still find I have symptoms. I feel Pressure (pain not sore just uncomfortable) at the end of my rib cage in the centre more so when I eat this pain is nearly always there it feels like a stitch but is centralised. From time to time (but on a daily basis) I get sore throats, some sharp pains around the centre of my chest and tightness across the right side of my chest. I also need to clear my throat a lot I don’t get a burning sensation which most people get with acid reflux. My doctor has put me on the proton pumps and asked to stay on them for 2 months to see if there is any improvement. In the mean time I would like to get your opinion on.

1) Should I still be worried about the heart?
2) Does my symptoms sound typical of acid reflux
3) If I am to notice an improvement how long should it take which this course of medication
4) If the symptoms sound like I should be getting other test done ( I think my doctor is going to get an edoscope? Done when I go back to him.)

Your input is most appreciated. Many thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) A normal stress test would make heart problems less likely.  A more thorough test can be a stress test with imaging (i.e. stress echocardiogram), which can be considered if the heart is still in question.

2) It is possible that the symptoms may be attributable to GERD.

3) The medication normally takes less than 1 week to see a noticable improvement.

4) An upper GI series or upper endoscopy are the next steps.  If those tests are negative, a 24-hr pH study can be considered fora  more definitive diagnosis of reflux.

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.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[yoshi]

besides taking protonix,you also have to watch what you eat.

[jono]

thanks doc and yoshi for your comments I have not really changed my diet that much. I will do so to see if it gets any better are there any foods in particular that I should stay away from.

[yoshi]

k

[Hue]

I have the exact same problem but add a little wheezing to the mix . I was very surprised when my new Dr. (my regular primary care dr. moved away) told me to stop all the asthma meds (albuterol, qvar, seravant, and sometimes prednisone) which were not really affective anyway, and put me on pepcid (acid reducer) a couple of weeks ago saying it was Acid Reflux causing the problem.  Like you, I am still concerned because I still have pain, but I was told it may take a few months for healing of the esophagus to occur.

[jmorrissette]

I don't know the name of a drug but it is susposed to sooth the throat while healing.  I was going to get it but I healed up fast after quiting altoids.

[JodieGriffiths]

Hi I am a 15 year old girl and i have acid reflux and i was wondering if i can wear bras with reflux. if anyone can help can you email me at; jodie.***@****