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Suggest Remedy For Pressure Sensation In Chest When Diagnosed With Anxiety

Posted on Fri, 17 Jun 2016

Question: Hi, i have been diagnosed with acid reflux and anxiety.I,experienced an episode where i came back to my hotel room and suddenly it felt like pepper had been thrown down my throat,throat felt really tight ,like closing in and my lungs felt full pressure and dusty ,like a suffocationg feeling,it only lasted a few minutes,but really scared me.It happened a few times over a month.Before this all happened the reflux etc ,i had a severe panic attack back in january due to an anti depressant ciprotan.(my throat closed and released on and off and i couldnt sleep for weeks,which in turn stimulated the reflux)!The doctor i went to over the above mentioned symptoms thought i had an allergy,she put me on anti histamines but to no avail.I have been on nexium for a month and im now on rantine.I am 26 years old,i have not had asthma and no allergies,apart from sinus irritation.Just want to know if you can help put my mind at rest please?Scared of dying.

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Supportive care and diet lifestyle changes.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. From your symptoms, i believe its flared acid reflux worsened by panic attacks and both symptoms are confusing you to be something sinister which is not. All you need is some anxiolytics and psychotherapy for your anxiety and panic attacks.

Acid reflux needs not just medications but a complete diet and lifestyle modifications. Eat small frequent meals, avoid spices, stimulants, coffee, alcohol. beverages, soda, chocolates , fatty and spicy foods etc. Dont lie down after meals for at least 3 hours. Keep the head side of the bed elevated. See if it helps. last but not the least is exercise and lose weight as acid reflux at young age is mostly due to weight problems.

Nutshell, your symptoms are due to acid reflux and anxiety and nothing else and both need supportive care. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan

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

Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (12 hours later)

Thank you for the information,also ive been getting this thing where when i wake up and take a full breath in its like something dusty has been plastered to my throat,feels toxic,its from the base of my neck to just below my jawline.Sometimes it goes shortly after waking ,other times during the day i can feel it slightly when i breathe in,worried about taking deep breath unless i choke.

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No worries, associated with GERD

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back to m

This feeling of something stuck or dusty feeling in the throat like plastered is also a perk of acid reflux and nothing to worry about. Nipping the vil from the bud which is acid reflux , will fix all the issues. Just focus on diet and lifestyle modifications we discussed and aim for a healthy BMI of less than 25. Slow and steady wins the race. Sign up to an FDA approved weight loss program and let them hep you.

I hope it helps.
Regards
Khan

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

Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (20 minutes later)

ok,thankyou,im about a stone overweight,yo yo dieted for years ,maybe its just finally caught up with me. I will implement your suggestions.

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
:)

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for considering my suggestions for relief. I am sure you will improved both for reflux as well as weight.

Regards
Khan

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

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