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What Causes Breathing Difficulty While Suffering From GERD?
Hi, I went to the ER last night because I was having difficulty breathing in deep that was causing pretty pain in my bread basket for two days. They said it was GERD/Esophagitous. Today I got some very dark black solid poop then diarrhea. I know its heart burn for sure because it feels like it. The classic burning and throat irritation etc. However this upper abdominal pain is what the real problem is. I feel full even with out eating or drinking and if i do eat or drink its worse. Could this be an ulcer or a hiatial hemroid and not just simple GERD? This pain is very persistent and its even uncomfortable to sit.
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
GERD commonly presents with severe pain over the epigastric area, chest, and throat. Irritation due to the reflux of your stomach acid causes irritation which can lead to ulceration and possibly even bleeding. Dark-colored stools and vomiting blood are seen in this case.
I would recommend consulting with a gastroenterologist for an upper GI endoscopy so we can see the extent of damage as well evaluate any surgical correction that may be required for your GERD.
For your breathing difficulties sometimes this reflux can result in food and stomach acid entering your lungs causing aspiration pneumonia leading to difficulty breathing or coughing.
A chest X-ray would be required for this. I would suggest till you see your physician and take Pantoprazole twice daily to reduce your acidity until you consult with a surgeon.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards, Dr. Ankit Gopinath
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What Causes Breathing Difficulty While Suffering From GERD?
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. GERD commonly presents with severe pain over the epigastric area, chest, and throat. Irritation due to the reflux of your stomach acid causes irritation which can lead to ulceration and possibly even bleeding. Dark-colored stools and vomiting blood are seen in this case. I would recommend consulting with a gastroenterologist for an upper GI endoscopy so we can see the extent of damage as well evaluate any surgical correction that may be required for your GERD. For your breathing difficulties sometimes this reflux can result in food and stomach acid entering your lungs causing aspiration pneumonia leading to difficulty breathing or coughing. A chest X-ray would be required for this. I would suggest till you see your physician and take Pantoprazole twice daily to reduce your acidity until you consult with a surgeon. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ankit Gopinath