Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of GERD

Posted on Wed, 14 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 14 Dec 2016 Answered on

Tue, 3 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I sometimes get a sudden attack that is painful underneath the breasts and radiates to under both armpits. Sometimes it is accompanied by a headache. Usually disappears with antacids. Usually this lasts about 10 minutes. Doesn't seem to be food related. Maybe gas?

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
GERD / ? nerve compression in neck ? intercostal neuritis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting the question.

Such symptoms usually occur due to GERD ( Gastro-esophageal reflux disease ).
Food reflux results in gastritis and radiating pain to lower ribcage and both armpits.
Such type of pain usually goes away with antacids and prebiotic tablets.

Sometimes nerve compression in the neck vertebrae can also cause radicular pain in this region and can be accompanied by headache.

Intercostal neuritis- In this condition,tiny nerves between the ribs are inflammed causing pain underneath the breasts.

I suggest you to take anti inflammatory tablets for 3 days and assess the improvement.

Nerve compression and intercostal neuritis pain will usually subside with these medicines.

Gas problems associated with GERD will show improvement with antacids and antiflatulents.

Eat high fibre diet,drink digestive juices and do yoga exercises for atleast 30 minutes per day

I hope the answer was useful.

Feel free to get back to me for any follow up queries.

Thank you.

Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy