HELP..CAN'T LIVE W/ THIS GERD AND LUMP IN THROAT ANYMORE..

[joi]

Please help me...I am a 29 yr female had a brief problem w/ gerd 4 1/2 yrs ago w/ the feeling of my food sitting in my chest had a scope had mild inflammation normal biopsies took prilosec for 8 weeks and was fine until 4 months ago..I was fiagnosed w/ asthma and at the time was given prednisone and advair..I started to get heartburn and indigestion so I stiopped taking the meds..then in November I was put on bioxin and had a very bad reaction w/ throat constriction and lump in throat and feeling my food sitting in my throat..went to Gi she put me on previcid and then nexium felt good until late january had a bout of vomiting for 2 days vomiting food that I ate the day before.. then I have no more heartburn but constant throat constriction and lump in throat and feeling like my food either goes down slow(bread, soft pretzels) or goes down and then comes back up on me and sits in my throat..I still burp constantly. food comes up when I burp still..I had a double constrast barium swallow that showed reflux no obstruction and am getting scoped next week..I feel like I am dying..I drastically changed my diet but don't know what else I can do....could this be cancer..??no weight loss, haven't changed my diet even though tcertain things feel like they stick but I never have to cough or make myself vomit..

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

Please understand my limitations over the internet as I have neither met nor examined you. This information is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation.

What you are describing is known as globus sensation.  This is defined as:
1) The persistent or intermittent sensation of a lump or foreign body in the throat.
2) Occurrence of the sensation between meals.
3) Absence of dysphagia and odynophagia.

Several disorders are associated with this condition, including abnormal esophageal body or lower esophageal sphincter motility, achalasia, tongue cancer, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, GERD, goiter, hiatal hernia, hypertensive upper esophageal sphincter, or esophageal masses.

There are several tests that are suggested.  You already had a barium swallow.  Endoscopy is the next step.  Additional work-up may include videofluoroscopic or manometric assessment of esophageal function.  Ambulatory pH monitoring may be helpful if reflux is suspected.  Specific testing for occult thyroid enlargement can also be considered.  

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.

Bibliography:
Robson.  Globus sensation.  UptoDate, 2002.

[schaeff]

Your peace of mind will certainly benefit from getting scoped.  Speaking only as someone who suffered from this for several years, I learned the following that may be of comfort. The sensation of something in your throat is called "globus." At the age of 29, with nothing visible on the barium swallow, and absent any other what are called "GI alarm symptoms"  - bleeding, weight loss, anemia, vomiting, (swallowing difficulty  - dysphagia, is one alarm symptom) the statistical likelihood of cancer is pretty small. I would absolutely get the EGD and then be completely confident that this is not a serious problem.

Have you tried all the "home remedies" for GERD? Sleeping wedge, avoiding caffeine, smoking, alcohol and anything anticholenergic like antihistamines, smaller more frequent meals but nothing for several hours before bed, etc.?

Best wishes,

[joi]

thanks for your comments i really appreciate them...I am tired of living w/ this..did you have similar symptoms? I totally changed my diet  I cut out coffee, soda, fried food, spices, and I am sleeping w/ 3 pillows..I don't know what else to do..

[Bionic Granny]

I had the same problems three years ago and had a nissan fundoplication done and don't regret it. Except for a few problems (nothing to do with nissan) I am free from the gerd. Medicine did work for short time, then returned. I would do it all over again. Don't have to sleep upright anymore--it's worth ever thing I've been through. Ask your gastro doctor about the nissan.

[ashpie3]

thanks for your comments..did you also have problems swallowing foods? lump in throat all the time..my meds were working great and then suddenly stopped..my doc increased nexium 2x a day and added reglan but nothing is working..I had heard if you have problems swallowing before the surgery you won't be able to swallow afterwards..is that true?

[Bionic Granny]

I was taking two previcid and reglan and nothing helped. I got severe headaches while on the reglan and had to stop. I had no reflux valve left, but I had to have a motility test done first before they did my nissan. If you can't move the food down into your stomach, I don't think they'll do the surgery. I did not having problems getting food down, just food continually coming up. The acid ate the enamel off my teeth and I had a constant sore throat. Find a good gastro doctor and surgeon. Do research on the nissan fundoplication--it worked for me. I was put on a very strict diet, because there are foods that are hard to go down--like bread because of the yeast, it swells and can get caught. I could have no meat for awhile--just soft food. Now I did have problems during the surgery that have required me to have 11 more surgeries--my spleen ruptured, got a staph infection that caused my gastro tract to rupture, then an enterrococcus infection and severe pneumonia. My surgeon did the same procedure on a man after me and he went home the next day. There can be complication from the surgery, but all surgeries can have them. Talk to your doctor, because if the meds aren't working, why continue taking them. There is another med. you can ask him to try--Carafate. Best wishes to you. I'll keep checking in to see if you need more answers. Even after all the complications, I would do it all over again, because I have no reflux disease anymore.

[kymommy]

I know exactly what you are going through.  I'm a 24yr. old mother and have had problems with this for several years now.  I recently have had the same problem of feeling like there's a lump in throat accompained by severe heartburn, a acid taste in my mouth with heartburn, nasseau, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.  I recently had an endoscopy and have esophagus stricture (this is the 3rd stricture I've had) in which my doctor stretched by esophagus, I have severe esophagitis, and esophagus erosion.  Medicine isn't working for me either. I've been on nexium and previcid both and neither seemed to help.  I can't eat anything without getting heartburn.  I've started to eat Jello thinging that would help by heartburn and it doesn't.  I have had heartburn all day today and nothing seems to help.  So I didn't eat anything else today because I was afraid it would make the problem worse.   If anyone can provide me with any helpful information to help my symptoms I would greatly appreciate it.

[ashpie3]

I am going in for my endoscope today...I have the same symptoms as you and my nexium is not working either..I take 2 a day and my docotr added reglan also..I will post back and let you know how I make out..thanks

[ashpie3]

I had my endoscopy today and the doctor said everything was normal..I can't believe everything is normal when I have constant reflux, food sticking and lump in throat..is it normal to take biopsies even if everything is normal?

[poohpoohbear]

I had this problem a few years ago and thought I was going to die. I could not swallow anything without it getting stuck in my throat. After having two upper endoscopys done they said I had a hiatal hernia and put me on prevacid. The prevacid did nothing for me. I still take the prevacid but the doctor also put me on paxil and 2 days later the lump in my throat was gone and I have never had a problem since! And that was in 1997. The paxil made me commer and in turn helped the acid in my stomach from coming up into my throat. I didn't even know I wasn't comm.

[scoons]

I agree with a posted message several messages ago who suggests trying Carafate. Carafate was my God of medicines. I wouldn't go anywhere without it. My problems have now progressed passed the help of Carafate, but for 8 years it was my best friend. You should ask for liquid carafate. It is alot easier to get down.

[Jeani]

Has anybody taken a PPI such as prilosec or nexium for a long length of time?  I have been taking them since 1997 (6 years) for GERD and feel it cannot be good for overall health to stay on them for so long.  The last blood tests showed mild liver ALT/AST increases 66/60 and wondering if the Nexium could be the reason for that?  Any other ideas as to the best OTC or another type of prescription med. that would be better to help the burn etc.??  From the Nexium insert regarding side effects etc. it appears it can actually cause Barrett's Esophagus among other types of polyps, tumors etc. which does not make sense.  Seems like it would help prevent that.  My Endoscopy does show stomach polyps that were benign.  Any help out there on other better safer meds for GERD would be most helpful.    
Jeani

[Concerned lady]

This is a very long posting, but these following "tips" are well worth checking into! These tips are found in my website, whose home page is, http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com

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. And, ask child's doctor & pharmacist about adjusting dosages down (tiny fraction of adult dosage), for children.

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

LPR= Laryngeal-Pharyngeal Reflux. (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, and, also see GER/LPR info on page 5, and on LINKS page, in this VCD website.

PLEASE READ THIS GREAT BOOK. It may possibly be bought on-line, from Michael T. Murray’s website.

Some of the following we learned from people &/or other books, &/or other good websites about voice, GER, etc.

(1) DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice) CHEWABLE TABLETS. Each DGL tablet has 380 mg of DGL. (mg=milligrams). DGL is one of our main methods of controlling the GER/LPR. We use Enzymatic Therapy brand DGL, shortly (about 20 minutes) before ALL meals (breakfast, lunch, supper, and snacks). The DGL does NOT cause high blood pressure, and does NOT cause fluid retention/edema, because a bad (steroidal) part of whole/crude licorice has been removed, leaving the DGL. Chewable DGL tablets are available at most health food stores, and at good pharmacies. DGL capsules are said to not be effective:

The DGL tablet(s) must be chewed, to mix with saliva, to be effective. If a DGL tablet is too dry (which could cause a cough), put a few drops of water on the tablet, and then chew it up. Chew DGL tablet(s) for a few seconds, to mix with saliva, shortly before (about 20 minutes before) EVERY meal, and if necessary, between meals (Read label directions). Chewing the DGL tablets for TOO long a time,  may cause a burning sensation on the tongue & in the mouth. (I do not know if this is from the DGL, or another ingredient).

The DGL seems to not only promote healing of throat, esophagus and stomach, but also seems to help prevent OUR reflux.(resulting in no more globus/lump in throat sensation, no more constant throat clearing, excess mucous, excess phlegm, no more NIGHT-TIME VCD/Vocal Cord Dysfunction/Laryngospams attacks, no more laryngitis, etc. for us)

We like the taste of the plain, fructose-free, DGL CHEWABLE tablets, but for those who hate the taste, try mixing a crushed DGL tablet with a tiny bit of mashed organic banana, and then chew, briefly, to mix with saliva. Avoid any DGL that contains mint. (Mint—in all forms, can cause gastric reflux episodes. AVOID MINT!!).

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice is pronounced: Dee-gl-eye-sir-rise-in-eh-ted Licorice.

(2) We use Thayers brand of SLIPPERY ELM Throat Lozenges when we feel the need. (Soothing, coating, healing, nourishing). Slippery Elm (inner bark from certain elm trees) also comes in teabag form, or in bulk, etc. as an herbal supplement.

(3) We drink the occasional small glass of CARROT JUICE (organic, fresh) which soothes, coats, heals the digestive tract, is nourishing, and stimulates the immune system, with beta-carotene, soothing and coating PECTIN (a type of fiber), and other good nutrients. Carrot soup, cooked carrots are also good. Beta-carotene is heat resistant. Beta-carotene later is turned into Vitamin A inside us. Do not overdo on carrot juice. If your skin turns orange, drink less carrot juice. Avoid beta-carotene pills -- too potent (can harm the liver, if one has liver problems). Sometimes, carrot cake, using brown rice flour (gluten-free), instead of wheat flour, may be more accepted by children than carrot juice or carrot soup.

(4) We tried elevating the head of the bed a few inches, by putting 6 inch to 8 inch BLOCKS, ON THE FLOOR, under the head end of the bed. This creates an incline (slant/tilt), where the head is 6 to 8 inches higher than the feet. This helps some people, but not all people. (Check with a pediatric Gastro-enterologist, about raising the head end of a bed of a child, or a crib of an infant). Also, see (16) about a special GERD PILLOW, for adults.

(5) We try NOT TO BEND OVER too often, and we try to AVOID STRAINING (Valsalva maneuver). We AVOID LIFTING HEAVY objects. (No weight lifting!) (at least until after no more reflux symptoms for 3 months). Sit without any pressure on the abdomen or stomach (knees lower than hips). Avoid running (shakes up the stomach), temporarily. Avoid gymnastics, etc., temporarily. Walking is best, until fully recovered.

(a) If CONSTIPATION is causing any straining, see Ref.15,18,23,24,25 on page 9 for ideas about gently treating constipation, including eating whole grains, not white (de-natured ones), etc.  For us, exercise, increased water intake, acidophilus/bifidus, digestive enzymes, avoiding junk food, improved diet, chewing slowly (takes will power!), eating when not under stress or angry, etc., all are helpful.  

(6) NO MORE TIGHT pants, belt, corset,--AVOID TIGHT CLOTHING, around waist, like tight elastic around waist, etc. Undo the top buttons or zippers, and wear shirts outside of pants or skirts, instead of tucked into waist.

(7) We try to not eat too much junk food. Some people avoid acidic  food, while others need to eat acidic food, if their stomach is not producing any (or enough) acid. (It is good to avoid acid, if one has an ulcer.) These gastric reflux tips methods often can help to heal ulcers. Some people need betaine hydrochloride supplements, which becomes HCl/hydrochloric acid, or, some use vinegar (acetic acid) in salads, or mixed with water, while others need to avoid eating excess acid. Each person is unique. We avoid all artificial sweeteners. Anyone with diabetes can read the excellent book Reversing Diabetes, by Dr. Julian Whittaker, M.D.

Diet soda pop contains the harmful artificial sweetener Aspartame (Equal/Nutrasweet), which can cause WEIGHT GAIN, HEADACHES, UPSET STOMACH, BLURRED VISION, BLINDNESS, TWITCHING, SEIZURES, BRAIN TUMORS, HYPERACTIVITY, MOOD SWINGS, ETC. Also, soda pop often has strong acids, plus other harmful artificial ingredients. Plain water, gentle herb teas, certain fruit juices (diluted with water, to prevent dehydration), brown-rice-milk, etc. are healthier substitutes for soda pops.

We try to avoid artificial ingredients, including fake fats (like Olean, Olestra, etc.), because these can greatly hurt the digestive system, and prevent absorption of vital nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) from foods. These fake fats also prevent digestion and absorption of needed fats & oils, used to repair myelin nerve cell sheaths (made of fatty material, mostly cholesterol). Hormones are also made of mostly cholesterol.

Avoid no-fat, or extremely low fat diets. Fats & oils (organic olive oil, organic sesame oil, organic butter in small amounts, organic nuts, etc.) are needed to produce hormones, and to produce myelin sheaths for certain nerve cells. Diets too low in fats & oils, can cause neurological (nerve) damage, and hormonal imbalances. But, don't overdo on fats & oils. For example, if "fish oils" might aggravate your GERD, avoid them, and instead, eat fatty fish like salmon, etc.

(8)  We try to drink more water, to prevent chronic dehydration. We like hard (nicely mineralized) well or spring water.

We do not drink distilled water (soft water, no minerals), because it can leach minerals out of our bones, possibly contributing  to osteoporosis. We avoid water softeners (chemicals) because they can be toxic, and because good minerals help keep us healthy. People with KIDNEY PROBLEMS &/or GLAUCOMA, etc. should ask their docs how much water is safe to drink, since too much water can be dangerous for them! (But, dehydration can cause problems also.)  

We also avoid water filters that contain silver in the filters, because silver is a toxic heavy metal. When necessary, we use a solid carbon sink-top water filter, instead. Some reverse-osmosis water filters remove too many good minerals, making the water too much like distilled water. (See Ref.18,20,23, on page 9)

(9) We use ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS (edible beneficial bacteria which keep bad YEASTS away, such as Candida Albicans, formerly called Monilia). ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS also can eat or control some bad bacteria, and some viruses. The ACIDOPHILUS &/or BIFIDUS are also called PRO-BIOTICS and are beneficial intestinal flora (mainly for the large intestine). We keep the jars refrigerated, but not too cold. These are available at health food stores & pharmacies. (See Ref.14,15,23,24,25, on page 9).

The ETHICAL NUTRIENTS company makes a very gentle, yet very effective, pro-biotics formula, ("DAIRY-FREE, MAXI-BIFIDUS") that is a milk-free (called dairy-free) powder, made of Bifidus infantum, with only rice maltodextrin as an additive (said to be gluten-free). This can be used by infants, nursing mothers, children, & adults. Follow label directions. Keep refrigerated. This is the simplest (yet effective) probiotic formula I have seen. Good health food stores have many choices available, and usually can order whatever you ask for, if your choice is not immediately available.  

Acidophilus/bifidus can re-populate the large intestine, with good bacteria, after antibiotics &/or steroids, etc. have killed off these good bacteria! Some of us have to continue eating the acidophilus/bifidus (daily, or from time to time), but the results seem worth the effort to us.  

Yogurt and buttermilk contain similar beneficial bacteria, but are milk products, so see (11) below about milk products.

(10) We use DIGESTIVE ENZYMES. My husband likes Acid-Ease by Prevail, which contains Slippery Elm (inner bark), Marshmallow Root, Gamma-Oryzanol (from Rice Bran Oil), and the plant enzymes Amylase (digests starch), Lipase II (digests fat), and Cellulase I (digests cellulose from plant cell walls). The Acid-Ease does not contain Protease, which can be very irritating to ulcer/GER folks.

The Acid-Ease is NOT an acid blocker. It is not an antacid. It soothes, coats, nourishes, and promotes healing. Its enzymes help with leaky gut syndrome.

   I use Total Enzymes (which does have Protease, a protein digesting enzyme) by Nutri-West, a company that sells only to health practitioners (Chiropracters, Physicians, and others), who can order, at cost, by calling 1-307-358-5066.

   Digestive enzymes are NOT FOR EVERYBODY, but are helpful for MANY people.

(11)  My husband has found that AVOIDING MILK PRODUCTS helps him feel less congested, with less mucus in throat. Milk and milk products (like cheese, including pizza, etc.) can cause gastric reflux episodes. Brown-Rice Milk (look for gluten-free) can substitute for milk (but not for babies!). Rice Dream (a brand of rice milk) has a small amount of gluten in it, from barley.  

Gluten is in wheat (includes spelt & kamut), rye, oats, barley, & buckwheat. Read labels to avoid hidden gluten, in some soy sauces, gravies, grain alcohols, beer (barley malt), etc. People with Celiac Disease need to avoid all foods containing gluten. BROWN RICE (organic) is gluten-free. Corn is gluten free, but is very allergenic (allergy causing), so avoid corn. Avoid millet, at first, because there is disagreement about whether millet is safe or not, for Celiac patients. Celiac Disease may be found in about 1 out of 125 people, and even more often, in those with ancestors from any of: Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland, Scandinavia. (See webpage 5).

MILK MAY CAUSE MORE ACID to be produced, IN THE STOMACH!  

I occasionally eat milk products, like yogurt, cheese, whipped cream, or my ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS, which is mixed with goat milk powder. So, at these times, I take LACTASE ENZYMES, to digest (break down into easily absorbed small molecules) the milk-sugar called LACTOSE. Many people (due to heredity &/or disease) have Lactose intolerance, where the small intestine does not secrete the lactase enzyme. Result is that the milk-sugar (lactose) travels further down the small intestine than it should. Then, bad bacteria eat the lactose, giving off lots of gas (the gases are by-products of the bad bacteria’s own digestion process), and this causes folks to get bloated, gassy, have diarrhea, and cramping. I use Lactaid brand lactase enzymes, and it helps, for me. Ordering direct from them can save money.

Some people may be ALLERGIC to MILK PROTEINS (like casein, etc.). This is a separate problem, from a "lactose intolerance". FOOD ALLERGIES & FOOD SENSITIVITIES & FOOD INTOLERANCES can cause or worsen gastric reflux!

To find out whether you do have food allergies, etc., look at link "AA", at the bottom of the links page, at http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com/links.html . This is a link to "EnteroLab", a laboratory that was created by Dr. Kenneth Fine, MD, and which does special analytical tests on stool samples. These non-invasive tests can very accurately tell you which foods you are allergic to, sensitive to, intolerant of, etc. (like eggs, milk, gluten, etc.).

In fact, these special stool tests often give more accurate results than intestinal biopisies do! Avoid eating any foods, herbs, etc. that you may be allergic, sensitive, or intolerant to.

ACID BLOCKERS CAN HAVE DANGEROUS SIDE EFFECTS: Some examples are:

Acid must be present in the stomach, in order for the stomach to make a substance called Intrinsic Factor. Intrinsic factor must be present with Vitamin B 12, in the stomach, for absorption of Vitamin B 12 to happen, in the ileum (last part of the small intestine), I believe.

Acid blockers therefore prevent absorption of Vitamin B 12. Malabsorption (lack of absorption) of Vitamin B 12, causes NERVE DAMAGE (pain, numbness, pins & needles sensation, etc.) in the peripheral nerves (outside the brain & spinal cord). This is called PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY. For details about this problem, see the Peripheral Neuropathy forum at http://www.braintalk.org

If Vitamin B 12 continues to NOT be absorbed, eventually there can be NERVE DAMAGE to the Central nervous system (brain & spinal cord).

ALSO, the minerals calcium, iron, zinc, other minerals, and important trace minerals, etc. cannot be properly absorbed, when there is no acid in the stomach (due to acid blockers, etc.).

AND, protein does not start to get properly digested (broken down--eventually into amino acids), in the stomach, when there is no acid in the stomach.

Doctors and pharmacists can advise about VERY gradual(slow) tapering down (weaning) schedules (when and if safe) for the acid blockers. Some acid blockers, when stopped too quickly, can cause rebound acid secretion in the stomach, resulting in excess hydrochloric acid secretion. The REBOUND ACID SECRETION often causes worse GERD symptoms!

ALSO, SOME FORMS OF REFLUX ARE NOT ACID REFLUX, but are ALKALINE REFLUX, (bile is alkaline). Besides refluxed stomach acid (HCl/hydrochloric acid), Pepsin (an acidic proteolytic/protein digesting, enzyme) &/or bile (alkaline) can irritate & damage: the esophagus, throat, vocal cords, & lungs. Acid blockers may not stop alkaline reflux!

(12) Do not drink ICY COLD DRINKS, and AVOID VERY HOT DRINKS. Use room temperature drinks, or slightly cool, or warm, but not ultra-hot. Extremely cold or hot liquids can irritate the stomach, which is bad for ulcers &/or gastric reflux.

(13) Ask physical therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, etc. if they know any safe adjustments that might lessen GER/LPR, if you wish.

(14) Read (by Dr. James A. Koufman, M.D.--a great VOICE DOCTOR) PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET ON REFLUX by Center for Voice Disorders of Wake Forest University. Here’s a link:  http://www.bgsm.edu/voice/pt_info.html  Dr. Koufman was a pioneer in showing the connection between stomach reflux (can be acid reflux OR alkaline reflux) and breathing problems!

(15) Some have found a special (large) GERD pillow helpful for preventing GERD episodes while sleeping and while lying down. Here is a link to the Prop up pillow website:  http://www.propuppillow.com

(16) Avoid harmful chemical air pollution, which can aggravate gastric reflux. See page 5 of this VCD website for more information about this.

(17) Some patients have been greatly helped by holistic NUTRITIONISTS, who can give advice about improving the diet, taking nutritional supplements, and avoiding certain irritating or allergenic foods.  

(18) Using the above methods has almost completely freed my husband of needing to use Tums, and seems to be nicely controlling his and my GER/LPR. We have never used acid blockers.

(19) Using the above methods, in addition to the SINUS SURVIVAL tips, has helped us to prevent VCD attacks, and COUGHING problems, in us.

(20) Please check with your doctor, in advance, to be sure that it is OK for you to try these tips, in your particular case.  

a) Please get monitored by your doctor, to be sure that no more damage to the throat, esophagus, stomach, vocal cords, lungs, etc. is happening, from possible SILENT gastric reflux.

b) Pregnant or nursing ladies should check with their doctors, before trying any of these tips.

c) Check with your doctor and pharmacist, to be sure that there would be no harmful interactions between any of your medications, diet that you may be on, and any herbs, foods, etc. mentioned in these tips.

d) Check with your doctor, to be sure that these tips would not interact badly with any medical condition(s) you may have.

These tips help my husband and me (adults). Some of these tips may be OK for children, and others may not be OK for children. Check with your doctor! Babies with gastric reflux need DIFFERENT treatments (see Appendix C, below), not these tips (except for raising the head end of the crib, if your doctor says it is OK to do this, etc.). Check with your doctor!  

I mention brand names of some things that we have used and like, or that others have recommended to us. However, we get no money and no compensation from the companies mentioned.

Try (with your doc's OK) all these tips for 2 weeks (every day), and if they help, you may be able to start to wean off acid blockers (with your doc's OK), while you continue using these tips.

Then, keep using these tips, even when finally off acid blockers, until there are no more reflux or "globus" problems, for 3 months.

Then, wean off these tips (if you want to), and see what happens. Some of us must continue to stay on these "tips", as maintenance. Continue to be monitored by your doc, to be sure you don't have any esophageal or throat or vocal cord damage, due to silent reflux.

Hope this helps!

Sincerely, Concerned lady