What Causes Increased Heart Burn And Sleeplessness?

Posted on Tue, 24 Mar 2015

Question: Hello, I experience severe heartburn at night and cannot sleep. Sometimes I feel maybe there is something on my stomach. I force myself to vomit but most of the times nothing comes out, just saliva sort of thing with a really bitter taste. A few times, some yellow fluid came out. I spend 4-5 hrs tossing in bed, unable to sleep as each time I feel this burn. I did a gastroscopy yesterday and the doctor (specialist) said that my stomach is clean and refused to prescribe any medicines. I have been struggling with this condition for 3 weeks now and it has really affected my life. I have tried self medication by taking lansoprazole before breakfast for 1 week now and omeprazole 1 hr after dinner (except yesterday didn't take any pills coz of the gastroscopy and what the doctor said and ended up not sleeping whole night). I am very confused about what I should do.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Symptoms indicative for acid reflux

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concern.

1. Before running into final conclusions, I need to have a look at your upper endoscopy report to evaluate the findings myself.

2. From what you are describing, your symptoms are indicative for possible reflux as long as no changes have been noted on upper endoscopy.

3. I advise to continue taking PPIs for 4 weeks, and then, to re-evaluate your clinical symptoms to decide further steps of managing your symptoms.

4. Other possible causes to rule out include cholecyst issues. Abdominal ultrasound would help in ruling it out.

LPR is another diagnosis to consider,however, pH-metry studies might be needed.

5. Lifestyle and diet regimen is also important in controlling your symptoms.

All the best!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (37 minutes later)

Thank you for prompt reply.

Unfortunately, the doctor did not give me the report. He told me a report would have benefited me if there was a problem but he found no such thing.

Today morning I took lansoprazole. I had my dinnerl at 8.30 o'clock and it is now 10 o'clock and I can feel the heartburn again. I just took Omeprazole. Do you recommend anything else?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Antacids to be added...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

No problem for the report, If nothing was detected, then, there is nothing to be worried about.

Lansoprazole is the same drug group (PPIs) as Omeprazole, their effect will take some days to be notable.

If you want an immediate heartburn relief, you should take an antacid immediately after eating.

All the best!
Dr.Klerida

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar