Suggest Treatment For Throat Pain And Irritation In The Chest While On Pantoprazole

Posted on Wed, 20 Jul 2016

Question: Hi.

I choked on a piece of French fry two weeks ago and my co worker did the abdominal thrust to release the choked food. It went down my throat. That same night i went to the ER due to pain in my throat and irritation in my chest. They sent me home with Carafate and antibiotics. The next day i ate some soft foods but noticed my stomach refluxing to a point where i had a feeling i was about to throw up. My throat felt very heavy too.

I then saw my GI doctor and he suggested i get the endoscopy and cat scan of my neck. I was on an IV for two days while waiting for endoscopy. My endoscopy only showed a bad case of GERD but no cuts in my throat. I was sent home after the endoscopy with pantropazole and carafate.

I was rushed back to the hospital twice after the endoscopy due to trouble swallowing and breathing. They ran every possible tests for my swallowing issues such as esophogram, stomach cat scan/ultrasound, neck cat scan, and ENT saw me too but they can't find any problem with my swallowing problem.

I am currently taking 40mg of Pantropazole twice a day and barely drinking enough fluids. My throat feels very tight and as is there is a lump preventing everything from going down. I tried doing soft foods but that was just impossible. Please tell me what else i can do? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Ashwini Kolur (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
non pharmacological measures along with medicines.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome
I have gone through your query and do understand your concern.

As you have mentioned that all your tests are fine, you symptoms are likely to be due to GERD.
Along with the medication, non pharmacological measures are also very important.

Few measures that will be beneficial, I'll mention them -

1. Avoid spicy food, alcohol and smoking if you do.
2. Avoid or reduce the intake of meat, dairy products, avoid excess drinking of coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, go for fresh fruit juices.
3. It is important to limit the food that causes bloating like potato, peas, legumes, cabbage.
4. As much as possible avoid out side food especially fast foods, go for home made foods.
5. Do not speak while eating. Also see to it that you walk for 10 to 15 minutes after having food.
6. Add more fibers to your diet, like take more vegetables, fresh fruit, salads will help you. Drink plenty of water.
7. Eat small frequent meals instead heavy ones, avoid starving.
8. Regular exercise is also very important

You should follow this religiously for few days, it may be difficult in the beginning but you should be determined.

Hope this helps
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Ashwini Kolur (19 minutes later)

Thank you for the answer. But the feeling of a lump in my throat is really getting in the way of me being able to eat soft foods. I can barely drink liquids right now. My throat also feels very dry and stiff. Is there something i should be doing for that? i constantly keep swallowing my saliva to try to clear that lump feeling.

Also how long does it take for server GERD symptoms to go away once i have started taking the PPIs? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Ashwini Kolur (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
15 days to month, varies from individual to individual

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome.
Good to hear from you.

First of all, as your tests are normal, there is no physical swelling or lump present. It is a feeling, it will reduce. Always keep a bottle of water when you, have a sip regularly. Even you can suck a candy, it week help in keeping your throat moist.

Regarding how long symptoms last, it varies from individual to individuals, it may really anywhere between 15 days to month.

Hope this helps
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Ashwini Kolur (19 days later)

i went back to see an ENT over 3 week's ago and he checked the back of my throat and he said he could see a swollen scar tissue in my esophagus. So i have a esophageal stricture which is preventing me from swallowing solid food. The ENT told me to give it 3 weeks to heal. But it has been more than 3 weeks and i feel the same. I can only drink liquids and honey thick consistency soft pureed foods. Also because of my GERD i am unable to eat much, because if i do, i feel really bloated and uncomfortable. I am able to manage my GERD symptoms fine with one 40 mg of Pantropazole, and i take carafate suspension 10 ml three times a day.
I would like to know if esophageal strictures heal on their own or do i need some other kind of treatment? If it can heal on its own, how long can it take? Also, is carafate supposed to heal the strictures as well? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ashwini Kolur (2 days later)

Brief Answer:
It heals by itself

Detailed Answer:
Generally esophageal stricture takes time to heal like 3weeks to 6 weeks. Carafate suspension relieves from GERD symptoms.You can take Rabeprazole 20 MG+Levosulpiride 75 MG twice daily before food which really works good. Stop using Pantaprazole

Take soft diet, coconut milk, fruits, plenty of fluids.
Get back to me if any query.

Regards

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar