tightening in throat lightheaded

[kristin68]

Hi- Was wondering if tightening in throat can cause a vagal response or blacking out? 2 years ago while driving i got a sudden tightness- not pain- in my lower throat/ upper chest and almost passed out- went to ED- had EKG, cardiac enzymes both negative was put on PPI for GERD-was thought to be esophageal spasm irritating my vagus nerve- 2 weeks later by EGD had dx small hiatal hernia and mild esoph. irritation(had been on PPI for 2 weeks at this point)- for my own sanity had cardiac workup of 30 day monitor ECHO and stress test- all came back- very healthy heart. I did stay on PPI for recommended 3 mos and then went off and have been fine taking an occasional Zantac until the other day when I had the exact episode while driving- came on suddenly- tight squeeze then almost blacked out- pulled over and coughed hard then was fine- lasted about 1-2 minutes. I do occasionally get throat flutters and gas- but this feels like one long flutter- my question is- do I see an ENT, GI ,CARDIO or just start on the PPI again? I did eat really spicy and lots of chocolate the eve before this occured. Thanks for your input.

[maxmilmokm]

Thanks to both of you- i didn't get your answers until now- a year later- i think i was stressed out and forgot to check back- I have not had an episode for 2 years until last week- same situation again- am going to cardio tomorrow- anxious about it being my heart but am pretty sure it is my gut as it always happens after i eat and after it occurs i burp constantly.  I just put another post on here forgettting that i did so a year ago- and found your replies- again, much apprecaited!

[Flycaster305]

Some foods can trigger a motility problem, a spasm in the esophagus.  Have you had a motility test to see how your swallowing reflex is functioning? Had you had any food, chewing gum, eaten a mint, that sort of thing before the events?

I've had both cardiac and esophagus troubles, the symptoms can be maddenly similar.  After three heart attacks, eight stents and a pacemaker you would think I would know the difference between heart and esophagus issues, but this summer I experienced what I thought was angina, turned out to be esophagus issues that ended up with a surgery, so take what I am suggesting with a grain of salt, I know nothing....
I'd investigate the swallowing function with a motility test.  If that goes well, I'd ask the Cardiologist about the possibility of heart artery spasms.  They do show up with the heart monitor tests you have had... but only when and if a heart spasm occurs.

[selmaS]

Hi....I would suggest that when u r going to eat foods that may affect u to take a med prior ro eating or just after to avoid this situation...and I would try another GI visit just to be on the safe side.

Do have ur thyroid checked to be sure u do not have nodules adding to the vagus nerve being impinged ......

Be mindful of ur diet and OTC meds can help...being on PPI's can be counter productive, so if this is not an everyday issue....I would avoid it...that is for me...talk to ur GI dr to find the best course of action for u.

Please keep us posted
"selma"