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How Can Severe GERD And Sore Throat Be Treated?
My husband, age 88, had a second widening of the esophagus done 4 days ago. He has severe GERD and his esophagus and duodenum are severely inflamed. His throat is still very sore and he won't eat. If I give him water to drink or a meal shake (by the spoon full, one at a time), he coughs up and spits out a lot of the food and phlegm. He is probably dehydrating, has had no stool in 3 days, is too weak to get up by himself, wants to sleep a lot, and pushes me away when I offer to spoon feed him. He occasionally sounds like he is gagging. He refuses to go to the ER. What would you suggest I do?
Sat, 19 May 2018
Hello. It seems that your husband is aspirating the fluids that you are feeding him. It is advisable to get the condition evaluated at the earliest with a chest xray to ensure he is not developing aspiration pneumonia. He definitely needs iv fluids if he is not consuming adequate fluids by mouth.
Additionally, i am sure he is on anti-reflux drugs and antacids, but if he isnt, he should be started on those. Get him to try sleeping with his head propped up.
An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is also advisable at this point. I hope this helped.
Dr. Pranav Balakrishna
Additionally, i am sure he is on anti-reflux drugs and antacids, but if he isnt, he should be started on those. Get him to try sleeping with his head propped up.
An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is also advisable at this point. I hope this helped.
Dr. Pranav Balakrishna
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