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What Causes Severe Heart Palpitations In An Elderly Person?

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Posted on Mon, 8 Feb 2016
Question: For the last 2 weeks I've been having this fluttery feeling in my upper chest/throat with the feeling that something is stuck???? I'm 52 and went through menopause 2 yrs ago and am a runner and zumba instructor but always have allergies 24/7 congested and itchy runny everything???
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Some thoughts:

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Well that sounds unpleasant! The sensation in your throat may be from allergies - post nasal drainage. But it's possible that there is some inflammation other than from allergies.

If you want to try to clear up your allergic symptoms a bit to see if it helps the throat symptoms, have you ever used a netti pot? I recommend the porcelain kind (easier to clean thoroughly). You can get these at health food stores, and many drug stores. And either make your own saline solution or buy the premade buffered kind such as XXXXXXX Med.

In addition, although you aren't big on using medicines, consider a nasal steroid. These decrease the swelling and reactivity in your sinuses, and may as a result decrease whatever is going on in your throat. Flonase is sold without prescription now. It takes a few days of daily use for it to work. Don't use it within an hour or so of the nettipot or the fluticasone will end up dripping down your throat where you do not want it to be.

Consider also Zyrtec-D (antihistamine and decongestant).

But it might be good idea, if this throat/chest symptom continues, to go in to your doctor to be examined. Indirect laryngoscopy will allow the doctor to see the area. With indirect laryngoscopy, the doctor uses a little mirror with a long handle, like the dentist uses to see your teeth better. The doctor holds the mirror at the back of your throat (without touching your throat), shines a light, and looks down. If he or she is good (and lucky), you won't feel anything as nothing will touch you, and you will just say "aaah" for a long time.

I hope this information helps.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (26 hours later)
I've never had this feeling before, tried all the allergy stuff you listed before and nothing helped. I'm gonna try nexium and see if it clears, if not i'll make a doctors appt, thanks for your help!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Nexium or Zantac.

Detailed Answer:
This is worth a try. Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor that stops acid production. Dose for GERD is 20 mg/dy for 4 weeks.

You can try that or Zantac, an H2 blocker. The dose for Zantac is 150 mg twice a day (or 300 mg at bedtime). This dose is double what is recommended on the over the counter (non prescription) meds.

Good luck.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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What Causes Severe Heart Palpitations In An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: Some thoughts: Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Well that sounds unpleasant! The sensation in your throat may be from allergies - post nasal drainage. But it's possible that there is some inflammation other than from allergies. If you want to try to clear up your allergic symptoms a bit to see if it helps the throat symptoms, have you ever used a netti pot? I recommend the porcelain kind (easier to clean thoroughly). You can get these at health food stores, and many drug stores. And either make your own saline solution or buy the premade buffered kind such as XXXXXXX Med. In addition, although you aren't big on using medicines, consider a nasal steroid. These decrease the swelling and reactivity in your sinuses, and may as a result decrease whatever is going on in your throat. Flonase is sold without prescription now. It takes a few days of daily use for it to work. Don't use it within an hour or so of the nettipot or the fluticasone will end up dripping down your throat where you do not want it to be. Consider also Zyrtec-D (antihistamine and decongestant). But it might be good idea, if this throat/chest symptom continues, to go in to your doctor to be examined. Indirect laryngoscopy will allow the doctor to see the area. With indirect laryngoscopy, the doctor uses a little mirror with a long handle, like the dentist uses to see your teeth better. The doctor holds the mirror at the back of your throat (without touching your throat), shines a light, and looks down. If he or she is good (and lucky), you won't feel anything as nothing will touch you, and you will just say "aaah" for a long time. I hope this information helps.