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Suggest Treatment For GERD
Question: Lately, since last Saturday 12/13/14, I have had a sense of tightness at bottom of my throat like something lodged which causes some additional swallowing effort (not painful just annoying).
This past Monday I spoke w/ my doctor's nurse on phone and she reminded me from my records I had GERD many years ago. (I have no chest pain or tightness, numb arm, etc., but last Saturday was a bit dizzy but able to take and was refreshed after 45 minute high pace walk.)
So I started Nexium this past Monday (OTC 20 mg dosage) which seemed to help but I am still having recurring episodes particularly in early evening.
Ideas on causes and what to try would be appreciated. Thank you.
This past Monday I spoke w/ my doctor's nurse on phone and she reminded me from my records I had GERD many years ago. (I have no chest pain or tightness, numb arm, etc., but last Saturday was a bit dizzy but able to take and was refreshed after 45 minute high pace walk.)
So I started Nexium this past Monday (OTC 20 mg dosage) which seemed to help but I am still having recurring episodes particularly in early evening.
Ideas on causes and what to try would be appreciated. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Esophageal stricture due to GERD
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam,
Thank you for writing in Healthcare Magic!
I understand your concern. By the symptoms you described and your past history of GERD, this seems to be the sole cause of your discomfort.Though there are many other disease which can such symptoms such as Achalasia,esophageal tumors etc.
Esophageal stricture means a narrowed esophagus (stricture) which can trap large pieces of food. Tumors or scar tissue, often caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can cause narrowing.
To confirm this we need to do Barium X ray, imaging scans or manometry.
Exercises may help coordinate your swallowing muscles or restimulate the nerves that trigger the swallowing reflex. I would suggest you few lifestyle modifications such as;
Changing your eating habits-Eat slow,small and frequent meals.
Avoid sticky food and prefer thin liquids
Avoid alcohol,tobacco and caffeine,this can worsen heartburn.
Hope this helps.Feel free to ask more.
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty
Esophageal stricture due to GERD
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam,
Thank you for writing in Healthcare Magic!
I understand your concern. By the symptoms you described and your past history of GERD, this seems to be the sole cause of your discomfort.Though there are many other disease which can such symptoms such as Achalasia,esophageal tumors etc.
Esophageal stricture means a narrowed esophagus (stricture) which can trap large pieces of food. Tumors or scar tissue, often caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can cause narrowing.
To confirm this we need to do Barium X ray, imaging scans or manometry.
Exercises may help coordinate your swallowing muscles or restimulate the nerves that trigger the swallowing reflex. I would suggest you few lifestyle modifications such as;
Changing your eating habits-Eat slow,small and frequent meals.
Avoid sticky food and prefer thin liquids
Avoid alcohol,tobacco and caffeine,this can worsen heartburn.
Hope this helps.Feel free to ask more.
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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