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What Could Cause Heartburn And Regurgitation Of Stomach Acid After Treating Upper Respiratory Infection?
Question: I came down with an upper respiratory infection 6 weeks. My symptoms came on over a few days (severe sore throat, low fever, headache, and cough) and then got better after about 8 days. Everything went away but the cough which is still with me but not with the intensity of 5 weeks ago. For about the last 2 weeks I have had heartburn almost every night, the sensation that acid is coming up from my stomach when I lie day, and the cough. I have the sensation that there is something in my throat and sometimes I am hoarse. I often find it difficult to sleep. What should I do?
Brief Answer:
Treatment for GERD
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The sensation that acid is coming up is probably true. You're probably suffering from gastro-esophageal-reflux-disease (GERD). Common symptoms of GERD include chest pain with burning quality (heartburn), fluid coming up to your mouth when lying down particularly after a heavy meal, cough, hoarseness and other upper respiratory tract symptoms.
GERD symptoms can be alleviated by eating less but more frequently (splitting the same quantity of food into more meals) and by avoiding certain types of food like chocolate, coffee, citrus fruits and juices, meals with high fat content, etc.
Another thing you can do is to put a pillow under your chest so that your torso is not lying flat on the bed. You should also avoid lying down right after a meal - giving it a couple of hours should suffice to reduce the symptoms of reflux.
Last but not least, proton pump inhibitors or other drugs that lower gastric acidity may help to reduce heartburn although the reflux itself won't get better with them. Prokinetic drugs like Domperidone may help by emptying the stomach a little faster than usual.
Finally an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is required for proper assessment.
Regarding your post-infectious cough: since it is getting better, there is nothing more you can do. Just give some more time. And remember that cough raises the abdominal pressure abruptly and predisposes to reflux as well.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis
Internal Medicine Specialist
Treatment for GERD
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The sensation that acid is coming up is probably true. You're probably suffering from gastro-esophageal-reflux-disease (GERD). Common symptoms of GERD include chest pain with burning quality (heartburn), fluid coming up to your mouth when lying down particularly after a heavy meal, cough, hoarseness and other upper respiratory tract symptoms.
GERD symptoms can be alleviated by eating less but more frequently (splitting the same quantity of food into more meals) and by avoiding certain types of food like chocolate, coffee, citrus fruits and juices, meals with high fat content, etc.
Another thing you can do is to put a pillow under your chest so that your torso is not lying flat on the bed. You should also avoid lying down right after a meal - giving it a couple of hours should suffice to reduce the symptoms of reflux.
Last but not least, proton pump inhibitors or other drugs that lower gastric acidity may help to reduce heartburn although the reflux itself won't get better with them. Prokinetic drugs like Domperidone may help by emptying the stomach a little faster than usual.
Finally an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is required for proper assessment.
Regarding your post-infectious cough: since it is getting better, there is nothing more you can do. Just give some more time. And remember that cough raises the abdominal pressure abruptly and predisposes to reflux as well.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis
Internal Medicine Specialist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your advice. What proton pump inhibitors do you recommend?
Brief Answer:
Any would do
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Any of them should do the job. Omeprazole once or twice daily, Rabeprazole once daily, Pantoprazole once daily, etc.
If you're going to stick to Zantac then make sure you take twice daily as less frequent doses won't reduce the acidity for 24 hours.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis
Internal Medicine Specialist
Any would do
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Any of them should do the job. Omeprazole once or twice daily, Rabeprazole once daily, Pantoprazole once daily, etc.
If you're going to stick to Zantac then make sure you take twice daily as less frequent doses won't reduce the acidity for 24 hours.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis
Internal Medicine Specialist
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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