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What Causes Severe Heartburn, Throat Congestion, Difficulty In Swallowing And Cough?

Posted on Wed, 14 Sep 2016

Question: I get severe heartburn at night, especially after getting into bed. Have seen a gastro and she prescribed Pantoprazole 40 mg each morning 1/2 hour before breakfast, no eating or drinking after 6 pm and 2 150 Zantac at night. It helped at first but now I am waking up with severe heartburn, rattling and congestion in my throat an inability to swallow. After sitting up for an hour or so, it subsides but every morning I wake with throat congestion and coughing. Should I continue with the gastro or see an internist or ENT? No other health problems or meds except 10 mg of Crestor daily. I am 68 and no other health probs. Thanks

please see updates on meds

Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is recommended

Detailed Answer:
hi.
thanks for posting query at HCM.

i read your question and understood your concern.

under your current clinical scenario, your strongly advised to visit a gastroenterologist at the earliest and fix an appointment for undergoing upper GI endoscopy. this would give a better picture of the throat, esophagus , gastroesophegeal junction and stomach. Further course of action maybe advised accordingly.

endoscopy is an absolute indication in a patient; if one OR more of following is present :

age is>55
anemia
weight loss
onset of progressive symptoms ( heartburn followed by dysphagia , coughing)
melena (black stool) OR blood vomiting

furthermore; diet modification is advised.
1. low fat diet
2. add plain yogurt to meals
3. less salt intake
4. avoid alcohol and junk food
5. eat dinner at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed

hope to answer your concern.
any further questions are welcomed

wish you good and sound health.

regards
dr Tayyab Malik

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Tayyab Malik (20 hours later)

Dr. XXXXXXX I did have an endoscopy which showed a hietal hernia but no other problems

Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hiatal hernia requires intervention.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for getting back to me and answering.

If your symptoms are not improving despite,

1. you underwent upper GI endoscopy within the previous 6 months,
2. following diet ( as mentioned in previous answer)
3. taking medication properly (Cap Pantoprazole 40 mg Once daily before breakfast for at least 8 weeks) ,

Then, your advised to visit General surgeon/GI surgeon and discuss your symptoms as well as the hernia finding during endoscopy.

Some patients require "surgical intervention" to fix hiatal hernia and they may feel better following surgery (symptoms subside).

Hope to answer your concern.
Let me know if there's any further queries.
Thank you.

Wish you good and sound health.

In future, you may post a direct question to me via HCM portal.

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnelpage=askDoctorDirectly&docId=71638

Regards
Dr Tayyab Malik

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

Follow up: Dr. Tayyab Malik (21 hours later)

Dr. XXXXXXX Thank you so much. I am being more stringent about what I eat and when. I see the GE 8/13

Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
wish you good and sound health

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
It's a pleasure to be of any help.

Wish you good and sound health.

Hope to answer your concern.
If no further questions, kindly close dialogue box and rate the answer.

Thank you
Regards
Dr Tayyab Malik

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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