acid reflux disease symptoms and substances taht may exacerbate its effects

[gilmajj]

In the case of acid reflux disease.  Is coughing in the morning a symptom after the ingestion of the drugs listed below? Is tingling in the stomac and a constriction and discomfort below the pharanx in  the upper Esophagus a  symptom.  Is alcohol consuption a contributor?  How about aspirin? How about aspirin and alcohol? How about lipitor? How about Altace?  How about Toporal?  Does reflux disease effect the abssorbtion rate of alcohol by delaying its entrance to the stomach. Give me any references you may have on this subject.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) Coughing, stomach tingling/constriction/discomfort, alcohol, aspirin can all exacerbate GERD.

2) Lipitor - can cause dyspepsia (of which GERD is a possible cause) in 1 to 3% of cases.

Altace - does not cause GERD to my knowledge.

Toprol - can cause stomach discomfort in 1 to 10% of cases.

3) I am not aware of studies testing how GERD affects the absorption rate of alcohol.  

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:
Kahrilas, et al.  Patient information: Gastroesophageal reflux disease.  UptoDate, 2004.

[tessa0825]

Alcohol and aspirin are both on every list of things to avoid I have seen in reference to reflux disease...Coughing can also be a symptom for many people with reflux, I believe it is more prevelant if you have LPR......I take toprol XL and it doesn't bother my reflux..Someone else will have to tell you about lipitor, etc. because I don't know...

[kevinmd]

I'll be away until January 4th.  I will answer your question when I return.

Happy New Year,
Kevin, M.D.