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Had Acid Reflux With Occasional Heartburn. Having Sore Chest And Feeling Of Esophagus Being Pulled. Relief With Xanax
I have had acid reflux on and off pretty bad for about 3 months now. I have had episodes in the past for about 3 years, but they would last a week or so, usually when I had been sick and on some meds in the winter, and then go away. Other than that, I have had occasional heartburn. This episode started in October and got REALLY bad in early November. I teach. It seems like when I have a long holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas) the symptoms go away after the first few days off. The burning in my chest like heartburn I have not had now in about 2 months. However, now my symptoms are: feeling like my esophagus is being pulled or stretched, sore chest, feeling like a knot in my chest, and when that happens I get nauseated, though I have never thrown up from it. NOTHING in the way of PPI's help AT ALL. The only thing that seems to help some (although not as well now as they did at first, is, believe it or not, XANAX. That makes no sense to me. Afraid I may have cancer of the esophagus!! It is taking such a mental toll on me that I am about to go crazy....having panic attacks, etc. HELP!!
Sat, 25 Jan 2014
Hello dear,
The symptoms as mentioned by you suggest that you might be having Gastro esophageal reflux disease, which is caused by the reflux of acid from stomach to esophagus due to relaxation of the sphincter at the lower part of esophagus.
Given the history that your symptoms are relieved with intake of Xanax, the role of anxiety needs to be ruled out as an etiological factor.
Management consists of:
1. Lifestyle modification- like weight reduction, sleeping on the left side, or with upper body raised.
2. Dietary modification- avoid consuming irritating substances such as acidic & rich foods, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
3. Medical management- Proton pump inhibitors like Omeprazole, Pantoprazole,etc. (which prevent acid formation in stomach)
If symptoms still persist, it will be better to consult a Gastroenterologist.
There is no need to worry...you will be fine.
Wish you a good health & speedy recovery.
Take care.
The symptoms as mentioned by you suggest that you might be having Gastro esophageal reflux disease, which is caused by the reflux of acid from stomach to esophagus due to relaxation of the sphincter at the lower part of esophagus.
Given the history that your symptoms are relieved with intake of Xanax, the role of anxiety needs to be ruled out as an etiological factor.
Management consists of:
1. Lifestyle modification- like weight reduction, sleeping on the left side, or with upper body raised.
2. Dietary modification- avoid consuming irritating substances such as acidic & rich foods, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
3. Medical management- Proton pump inhibitors like Omeprazole, Pantoprazole,etc. (which prevent acid formation in stomach)
If symptoms still persist, it will be better to consult a Gastroenterologist.
There is no need to worry...you will be fine.
Wish you a good health & speedy recovery.
Take care.
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