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Morning Congestion

I just moved to Denver from Chicago. Right before we left, I could tell I had a sinus infection, as I have a long history of sinus issues. I also have stomach issues, history of a couple ulcers. A couple of ENT's have told me I have obvious signs of GERD, though I don't often have indigestion, sometimes I can taste acid in the morning. Anyway, I saw a doc when I arrived in Denver and she gave me Biaxin for the sinus infection. Only it doesn't seem to have cleared up. Plus, I wake up in the morning and my chest is congested. Sometimes when I first get up, it hurts to take a deep breath, as if it would hurt when you inhale water. However, once I stand up and cough once or twice, it goes away for the entire day and I forget about it. The only time I ever feel this during the day is on a weekend if I slouch down on the couch with my feet at the edge of the ottoman and my knees drawn up. I only do this when I'm eating and I only eat during the day on the weekends. I have no chest pain at all. I have no shortness of breath. In fact, I out do my 12 year old on the bike and we live on the 3rd floor. I've had blood work done within the last 6 months, all is fine except a bit anemic, probably because I am a vegetarian. Had a colonoscopy  6 months ago when I turned 50, all is fine.The last visit to the doctor a couple weeks ago for the sinus issue, my lungs were clear and my blood pressure is on the low side. I actually checked myself the other day (was a paramedic) and they are definitely clear. I don't eat much all day, then kind of binge at night. I do get congested after meals, but not like the morning. So, I am tending to think this is the GERD and my bad eating habits are making it this bad. Problem is, I am a smoker, so I am freaking out a bit. I submitted a form to make an appointment with you, but I am worried right now that I am Googling too much.
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Avatar universal
I have these same issues.  I take an omeprazole every morning, seems to do well for me throughout the day, but in the A.M. for the last 3 months the congestion has gotten worse... If it is reflux shouldn't the omeprazole help me?

Can anything be done to lessen or prevent this from occuring?
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
A bad gastric reflux can cause sinus like symptoms and chest congestions which are worst in the morning as that is the time the reflux is worst. Treatment is a combination of drugs to reduce the acid and lifestyle changes. You will need to take a combination of medications (under medical supervision) like a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole, lansoprazole or pantoprazole empty stomach in the morning and an antacid gel after meals for complete relief. Possibility of H pylori infection too should be looked into by a carbon urea breath test and a combination antibiotic tried. Many a times a persisting H pylori infection can be the cause behind acidity not responding to treatment.
Life style changes that will help include: Drink cold milk. Avoid heavy meals and eat frequent small meals. Avoid too much of caffeine, tea, smoking, fried food and drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic fuzzy ones. Avoid heavy exercises within 4 hours of a heavy meal. Raise the head end of the bed by pillows to 30 degrees. Avoid lying down for least 2 hours after food. Maybe these tips will help you.
Do discuss this with your doctor and get yourself examined. Take care!
Helpful - 0
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