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Suggest Remedies For Acid Reflux

Posted on Wed, 22 Jun 2016

Question: Hi,
I'm trying to figure out whether I might have GERD or LPR (silent reflux) or perhaps something else. I was intermittently experiencing mild pain when swallowing food. The pain was at the base of my sternum or esophagus. After a few weeks, I went to see my doctor and he said I might have a case of esophagitis and he prescribed me 40mg of esomeprazole krka to take for 4 weeks and told me to come back if it didn't clear up after 4 weeks. I've been taking it for 18 days now. The pain I was experiencing while eating has gone away completely but I'm now experiencing discomfort in my throat and feel occasional tightness in my chest. This pain also comes and goes throughout the day and ranges from my throat feeling sore/tender, feeling like there is something caught in my throat, having to clear my throat, and mild hoarseness. I also get a fizzing/sizzling sensation in my throat that I can feel it coming on before it happens and makes a noise I can hear. This usually happens after drinking fluids or when I'm lying down in bed. The medicine doesn't seem to be relieving these symptoms. I'm wondering if I should continue taking it or go back to my doctor and explain the changes in my symptoms. My appetite has increased significantly lately as well. I don't know whether that's related to this in any way.
Any info or advice you may have is much appreciated.
Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A Prokinetic will help

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in

A perfect elaborative history

What I gather from your information is that you have not been prescribed a prokinetic

Because your symptoms point to reflux it is needed

A gastroscopy would be of help in establishing the condition

I would add a domperidone 30 mg twice a day along with esomeprazole 40mg also twice a day

Here are few tips you should follow :

1] Avoid spicy, fermented meals
2] Do not have heavy meals
3] Avoid smoking and alcohol
4] Wear loose clothes
5] Do not stoop
6] Do not lift heavy weights
7] Raise the head end of your bed
8] If Obese start trying to loose weight
9] If under stress - Manage stress levels by meditation and exercise

Hope this helps
DO write back in case of concern

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (3 days later)

Thanks for your response, Dr. Kukreja.

I will make another appointment with my doctor and enquire about a prokinetic.

I must admit that I have generalized anxiety and health is one of the things I often worry about. I know I'm not in the high-risk category but I have a tendency to think about the worst-case scenario and cancer obviously came up when I researched my symptoms online.

I'm 33 years old, I don't smoke but I do drink regularly (usually every weekend and, on occasion, consume amounts that could be considered excessive). I exercise/lift weights regularly, usually 3-4 times per week, and maintain a fairly healthy diet. I don't have a history of cancer in my immediate family. I'm wondering if I there's reason for concern about esophagus or throat cancer.

Regarding my increased appetite, I'm questioning whether that may be linked to my current anxiety and stress levels or if this is also something to investigate/be worried about. I find it almost impossible to feel full after meals and I usually get hungry again within 2-3 hours (sometimes even sooner).

Once again, I appreciate any further information/advice you have to offer.

Thanks so much, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Manage Stress and Reassure yourself

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for your followup

It is advisable you see your doctor if you need a prescription and a gastroscopy will establish the diagnosis of reflux and rule out malignancy there by reassuring you

All information available online is not authentic and is not enough to replace a clinical diagnosis so reassure yourself

You should avoid if not possible reduce the intake of alcohol and gradually withdraw

Just rule out diabetes and there should apparently be stress inducing increased appetite

Hope this clears your doubts

Wishing you a healthy life ahead

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (19 hours later)

Hi again, Dr. Kukreja.

Thanks so much for your helpful, informative responses.

I appreciate all your help and will follow up with my doctor regarding your advice.

Best regards, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Keep me posted

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I appreciate your communication standards

Do keep me posted with the happenings

Wishing you a speedy recovery

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar