Taking Zantac And Nexium For Chronic Hives Of Undetermined Etiology And Laryngeal Reflux. Having Nausea And Occasional Epigastric Burning. Cure?
I have been on Zantac 300 mg bid for several years to control chronic hives of undetermined etiology. Recently my ENT doctor added Nexium 40 mg bid for "laryngeal reflux" based on an erythematous vocal cords seen on nasal endoscopy and an unresolving sore throat. I have never experienced heart burn, water brash, or noticed "acid" coming up in the back of my throat. I still have the sore throat from time to time that my ENT doctor tells me is "allergies". Despite all of this acid suppression, I still experience almost daily nausea and occasional epigastric burning. I cannot relate either to anything in particular, e.g. timing with food/medication intake or consuming certain foods. What are the potential differential diagnoses for this symptom?
Also, another physician also recently told me it was impossible to have gastric/laryngeal reflux as the cause of my sore throat because the total daily dose of Zantac of 600 mg alone would control any reflux I might have. Is this true?
Thanks!
Differential diagnosis given; no that is not true
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
1. The differential diagnosis based on the presentation you are experiencing includes the following:
-Peptic ulcer disease
-Gatroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
-Hyperacidity
-Hiatus hernia
-Achalasia cardia
-Gastritis
-Esophagitis
-Irritable bowel syndrome
-Intestinal motility disorders
-Esophageal growth abnormalities
2. I would like to disagree with the statement this other physician has made as in my practice I have seen numerous patients who have not responded to medication alone and have even required surgery (there are numerous surgical options available especially for patients who are non-responsive to medication; which would otherwise not be required if this physician's statement were true).
I hope you found my response helpful and informative. Do write back to me for any further clarifications.
Best wishes.