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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Reflux Query
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Reflux Query
by DTEG, Jan 06, 2004 12:00AM
Hello there,
I am a 38 year old female. I was diagnosed with gastritis and reflux in November 2003 and have been taking Nexium 40mg per day since then. It appears that I have a tendency towards IBS with constipation as well. I have had both an endoscopy and colonoscopy but no other tests to date.
I have reflux 'breakthrough' symptoms especially at night and generally am not feeling as well as I'd like to. At times I feel quite nauseous, especially during the day. My stomach seems to get very active when I am sleeping, often waking me up a few times during the night. I've lost weight and have to be very careful what I eat.
A few weeks ago, throat related symptoms started, which I'd not had before. This includes 'globus' sensations which are sometimes quite sharp and have woken me up at night. I also have had pain behind the breastbone. At times the throat / chest discomfort has gone on for hours or days at a time and has been very unpleasant.
Doctors here don't seem to think other tests or treatments are necessary and seem to think I should remain on Nexium for the forseeable future. I would like your opinion please as I have the sense that in the US approach to reflux is more advanced than in Australia.
Thank you very much in advance
Regards
Sue I
I am a 38 year old female. I was diagnosed with gastritis and reflux in November 2003 and have been taking Nexium 40mg per day since then. It appears that I have a tendency towards IBS with constipation as well. I have had both an endoscopy and colonoscopy but no other tests to date.
I have reflux 'breakthrough' symptoms especially at night and generally am not feeling as well as I'd like to. At times I feel quite nauseous, especially during the day. My stomach seems to get very active when I am sleeping, often waking me up a few times during the night. I've lost weight and have to be very careful what I eat.
A few weeks ago, throat related symptoms started, which I'd not had before. This includes 'globus' sensations which are sometimes quite sharp and have woken me up at night. I also have had pain behind the breastbone. At times the throat / chest discomfort has gone on for hours or days at a time and has been very unpleasant.
Doctors here don't seem to think other tests or treatments are necessary and seem to think I should remain on Nexium for the forseeable future. I would like your opinion please as I have the sense that in the US approach to reflux is more advanced than in Australia.
Thank you very much in advance
Regards
Sue I
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 07, 2004 12:00AM
, Jan 07, 2004 12:00AM
Nexium is normally quite effective in the treatment of reflux. If you continue to have symptoms despite the use of Nexium, it is time to consider a 24-hr pH study. This would document the severity and frequency of the reflux. Adjustments in the medication (with possible addition of an H2 blocker such as Zantac or Pepcid) may be considered.
If medications aren't controlling the symptoms, then a referral to a surgeon should be pursued to consider surgical management (i.e. fundoplication).
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.
If medications aren't controlling the symptoms, then a referral to a surgeon should be pursued to consider surgical management (i.e. fundoplication).
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.
Member Comments (1)
by PAJ, Jan 06, 2004 12:00AM
See my post above
