Should I go to emergency room

[Acidsucksbad]

I'm 53 male and a smoker. I've been dealing with stomach acid by using nexium for years along with diet low in acid. About two weeks ago decided to eat onion rings. Mistake got the worst acid ever nexium 8 tums knocked it down. Next morning though nose was super stuffed up and threw up small amount of bile. Since then been coughing clear flem or spit every couple hrs throat feels like a dry spot when I swallow. Hot decaf tea helps a bit. This morning woke with same thing stuffy nose and threw up small amount of bile again. I have no insurance and not sure if I goto a ER they will do much for me. Just afraid I might have throat cancer. What should I do. Getting a bit scared at this point.

[Debslosjoe]

Hi, firstly sorry you’re feeling so bad. Ive had something similar the past 3 weeks. I saw 4 doctors (waste of time) and took myself to A&E. 8 hours later they said it was bile reflux gastitis. They xray your chest, check your heart and it puts your mind at rest a little. After thid I Insisted on seeing my GP again. Hes changed my PPIs to one that specifically protects your throat.

I have the same burning throat as you and its very scarey. Use gaviscon advance after every meal and at nightime because that lines your throat. Sleep sitting up as much as you can.

Also I wouldnt take the metroclopramide that empty your stomach faster because of the serious possible side effects but I have ordered a natural product to support my digestion and I hope they makes digestion easier. (Zenwise digestive enzymes with pre and probiotics).

I would definitely see a Dr or go to A&E to give you peace of mind. You can also pop into a chemist for a bit of advice.

I hope you get some answers and some relief.

[Redchip in reply to Debslosjoe]

Hi Debslosjoe

Can I ask what PPI you are on that protects the throat?

Thank you

[Debslosjoe in reply to Redchip]

I was prescribed Pantoprazole and was told it would protect my oesophagus while im getting over this new symptom of constantly coughing up pale yellow mucus (or possibly bile). im still coughing after 5 weeks. its a nightmare.

[hjskev]

Sorry to read you're feeling rubbish at the moment. I'm afraid I wont be much help to you, but I just want to say that anxiety can make reflux worse, so try to do some breathing exercises or what ever helps you relax and get your head in a better place.

I can only speak from my own experience and some things do set my reflux off big time. When it does I have burning in my throat and mouth. It can feel like I have mucus in my throat that makes me cough. I believe this is caused by nasal drip which is a part of reflux. So I eat very bland food for a while and take Gaviscon Advance after every meal and before bed. Its important not to eat or drink anything even water after taking Gaviscon before bed, as it forms a film over the top of your stomach which is meant to stop acid coming up. Then sleep with your upper body raised.

I think alcohol will be a no no at the moment. Red wine in particular sets me off. I have been prescribed Omeprazole which is supposed to line your stomach and prevent ulcers. I don't know if that's the PPI the other poster is recommending. I don't know if it protects the throat but it may.

You are outside the UK I suppose as you are worried about health care costs. That must be an added worry but really only a qualified person can diagnose and help you accurately. However if you look round this forum you will find that there are lots of us suffering from acid reflux and lots of tips on how to manage it. Chewing chewing gum helps me, I think its the extra saliva. I hope your symptoms prove to be nothing serious and you feel better soon.

[Opelcorsa]

I take nexium 40mg every day, one hour before my breakfast, this works for me. Sometimes I may need to take another 40mg in the evening if I eat something spicy. Go back to your doctor and ask for a endoscopy and colonoscopy. Hope this helps you.