What Causes Throat Irritation After Stopping Prilosec?

Posted on Wed, 13 May 2015

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

Wed, 13 May 2015 Answered on

Thu, 4 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi i've been having problems with my throat for about 2 weeks now.One day while at work i notice a feeling as if something was in my throat but after I had something to eat it went away,about two days later after having a meal from chik fila I notice a asthmatic kind of feeling in my throat and a thump like feeling when swallowing as well as clearing my throat often and mucus comming up.I thought it could be a acid rebound effect because i had just stopped taking prilosec a week prior to having the symptoms for 14 days for Gastritis and I had never had this feeling before.I have no chest pain or heart burn or anything, swallowing food is not a problem for me and the feeling is only in my throat and I don't smoke.What can I do about this??and is it possible my stomach could be producing to much acid now after getting off the prilosec pills completely ??

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, this is mostly due to not taking proposed.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your concern.
By your history and description, in my opinion you are mostly having throat irritation because of stopping prilosec.
Prilosec is having pantoprazole. It is proton pump inhibitors. It reduces acid secretion in the stomach.
So possibility of hyperacidity and reflux is high.
So better to start following lifestyle modifications.
1. Avoid stress and tension.
2. Avoid hot and spicy food.
3. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals.
4. Drink plenty of fluids.
5. Go for walk after meals.
6. Keep 2-3 pillows under head in the bed to prevent reflux.
7. Do warm water gargles 5-6 times a day.
If you are improving with all these then no need for prilosec.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (34 hours later)

OK I will make these changes,and another question should I avoid putting black pepper in my food as well???

And if I do have to take a PPI again how should i properly get off the pills??

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Better to avoid black pepper in food.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on HCM.
Black pepper is one of the spices and thus it can cause hyperacidity and reflux.
So better to avoid it.
And you should start all the lifestyle modifications suggested in previous answer along with PPI.
Take PPI for 10-15 days then gradually taper it down.
If you follow suggested lifestyle modifications well, then the need of PPI will be reduced.
Hope I have solved your query.
If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.

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