burning in upper left chest area after eating

[jmcacdon]

I have episodes of burning in my left chest area about 1-2 hours after eating. This seems to come and go usually lasting about a week or so. I have had a scope inserted down my throat to look for stomach problems-nothing found. I am taking Prilosec every day which did seem to help at first, but now the pain is back. It seems to get better if I get up and walk around or work out. It is much worse if I am sitting after I eat. Any advice on what is going on?  I am eating a very bland diet now and trying to stay away from any spicy, fatty foods.

[Ratnakar Kini]

Hi,
GERD causes heartburn. But endoscopy  does not show anything in 70% of the persons with GERD. In these individuals 24 hours pH monitoring has to be done to confirm the diagnosis.
PPI including Prilosec is the drug of choice for treating GERD. Sometimes tolerance develops to these medications and what was once effective may not work at all. In these circumstances switching from one type of PPI to another might be helpful.
In addition the lifestyle modifications you have mentioned should also be done.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[jmcacdon]

Thank you so much. I will talk to my doctor about the 24 hour test.