GERD / Burned mouth and tongue?

[c4ndybear]

I am a 28 year old female with a history of GERD and IBS.  Prilosec OTC usually works for me, however it is not covered by my insurance.  The only thing covered by my insurance is Ranitidine - which I take twice a day.

About 2 years ago, I had to see the doctor because of dysphagia, constant post nasal drip / clearing my throat, etc.  She said that I had aspirated some stomach acid and it had burned my throat.  I had a barium swallow test done, which came back completely normal, despite my long history of really bad heartburn.  Because of my remote location, a trip to the ENT was very expensive and I declined to go.  Eventually it did clear up and heal and go away, and I went on with my life.

Fast forward to last week, I've been feeling a bit stressed and noticed my heart burn and IBS acting up a bit.  I did basically nothing for it, hoping it would just go away.  The post nasal drip / throat clearing and dysphagia started again a few days ago.  I noticed I was grinding or clenching my teeth a lot, and started noticing jaw and generalized tooth pain.

Last night, I woke up in the middle of the night with my mouth burning.  Like it was stuffed with peppercorns or something... today my whole mouth hurts, like it was burned, especially under my tongue.

Did I get stomach acid in my mouth?  I thought the cause of my generalized tooth pain was just me clenching my jaw or grinding teeth at night, but now with this awful burning sensation, I think I may have aspirated stomach acid during the night again....

My doctor cannot get me in for an appointment until next week at the earliest, and I do not have a dentist.  I went and bought a bunch of Prilosec out of pocket, since it is the only thing that works for me and Ranitidine, while covered by my insurance, does not seem to help.

How do you deal with a burned mouth / tongue?  Should I seek additional help or will it go away on its own?  

[Flycaster305]

It sure sounds like acid is causing your problems to me.  I experienced similar problems.  
Prilosec worked best for me, better than Ranitidine, especially at night.  Also, once I followed the directives of my my doctor, Prilosec worked better... It is important to take it 1/2 to 1 hour prior to the largest meal of the day, and quit eating or drinking wine, juice, etc after the meal, and don't eat or drink three hours before laying down to sleep.  Like Selma suggests, one should raise the head of the bed about 6 inches to keep acid from migrating back up the throat.
In my case, the valve that keeps acid from coming into the throat quit working and required surgical intervention, but in a very short period of time, acid from the stomach was strong enough to erode my vocal chords and also dissolved the enamel off my teeth.  As Selma suggests, you should see a doctor, and in the meantime, raise the head of your bed, and take the drugs exactly as prescribed is my suggestion.  keep us informed.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the GERD forum.

Since u said this cleared up for a time, I am wondering what season or time of yr it was clear and wonder if ur issue is more of an allergy and the PND is causing the GERD/reflux...so if u treat the PND with a non drowsey med u may solve ur issue.....keep in mind it may take time for the reflux u have to calm down....but give it a try and talk with ur PCP.

Deff seek help for ur mouth and tongue.....some meds r made to help with the damage made by acid and allow it to heal...so see ur Dr.