Is my acid reflux and severe heartburn related to GERD?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 38 year old man and I get severe heartburn and acid reflux virtually every day, especially after eating and when I lie down at night. There are moments when I think that I am having heart difficulties because the burning sensation in my chest is so strong. Often I wake up with a sour, bitter taste in my mouth. I began sleeping semi-reclined on several pillows and cut out foods I love, such coffee, tomatoes and spicy foods yet the symptoms are still there. I also have persistent cough that my doctor says might be from acid reflux and sometimes I feel like food is stuck in my throat. Tell me please,

Do I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
What can I do to eat properly again without this constant burning discomfort?

Please assist.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns. All your symptoms indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, you need upper endoscopy and abdominal ultrasound to rule out stomach ulcer, and bile calculus or infection.

GERD happens when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus. The chronic cough happens because acid irritates the throat and airway.

Your food stuck feeling (dysphagia) can mean inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus, which needs proper evaluation (as mentioned above). Sometimes, severe chest burning can mimic heart problems, so if the pain feels different from usual reflux, cardiac causes should be considered too, after a complete examination and test by a gastroenterologist.

You can follow the treatment mentioned below for GERD.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) will decrease the amount of acidic fluid.

Antacids will help reduce the acidic pH (power of hydrogen) of the stomach liquid.

Diet changes, such as having frequent, small meals, especially a bland diet for a few days until stomach symptoms are relieved.

Do not lie down immediately after eating.

You should continue propping up on multiple pillows while sleeping.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.