Nighttime systematic symptoms

[AHG123]

I am quite scared. I have these awful nighttime episodes. Headache, pounding heart, feeling hot, vivid dreams, chalky throat, needing a drink and a wee.

The Gastoenterologist doesn’t recognise them as a digestive issue. They seem to relate to high calorie intake.

I have lost a significant amount of muscle. I am a 62 year old female. Not diabetic.

I have been taking Lansoprazole and Gaviscon for seven years on and off . The only real symptom of Gastric Reflux that I have is a cough though I am now more windy and I do notice some bubbling up in my throat during these nighttime events.

Why has the GERD got so much worse if it is that?

Thanks for reading.

[Mauser1905]

Hi,

long term overuse of PPI and Gaviscon may do more harm than superficial masking of the root cause.

A lot of the symptoms are associated in this case with psychological state of health which are directly affecting physiological issues, or exacerbating underlying existing reflux related causes.

loss of calcium (brittle bones), loss of potassium (RLS) et el can be speculated to collateral damage caused by ppi long overuse in higher dosages.

Loss of muscles can be explained as to lack of physical activity and ageing process, unless its significant overall weight loss and unexplained. Believe this has been looked into by the GP and the GI team( reading in between the lines).

If you havent already tried, elevating the headside of the bed, using anti reflux pillows or cushions, eating pop corn or toasted bread in the night if it works. (trial and error method, works for some for others it doesnt).

Most importantly workking on mental health and trying to be blissful, perhasps not watching TV which causes anxiety in the evening time. etc.

Good luck.

[Zorrosox-1]

Hi. I also suffer from silent reflux- cough mainly at night. This is controlled by Lansoprazole 30mg- I tried to cut it down to 15mg but the cough came back again. I am worried as my Doctor said it’s dangerous to take PPI’s long term. What can I take instead? I do take Gaviscon Advance before bed.They are talking about gastroscopy but I have no heartburn etc- just the cough. Any ideas anyone?

[AHG123 in reply to Zorrosox-1]

Look out for trigger foods.Have you done the bed head raising, lie on left side, don’t eat/drink late…..

More Gaviscon when you wake up.

[Zorrosox-1 in reply to AHG123]

Do certain foods trigger the cough? I try not to eat too late . I have a wedge pillow to raise my head. I don’t take more Gaviscon if I wake up- isn’t it a bad idea to take too much?I can’t sleep on my left side all night but try to for some of the night.

Thanks for replying!

[AHG123]

My specialist said take Gaviscon Advance like Smarties-whenever you need it. But you must get your own proper medical advice. Sweet foods don’t do me any favours which is bad news as I love cake/chocolate!

Gaviscon sits on top of your stomach contents . Don’t drink/eat immediately after.