Acid Reflux?

[Carl87]

Hello,

for almost a week I’ve been experiencing on and off burning sensations in the centre of my sternum / oesophagus and sometimes the very bottom of my throat. I thought it might’ve been some kinda infection but I’m now thinking I’ve developed GERD or will be about to given the length of time I’ve had it.

At the moment, I don’t have regurgitation, trouble swallowing or weird taste in mouth.

I have tried Rennies/ Gaviscon which bring temporarily relief but it returns. There is no set pattern, it happens constantly all day or a few hours In the morning then I won’t have it all day. I wouldn’t say food particularly brings it on as it happens before meal times.

I am planning on seeing a doctor Tuesday. I’ve never experienced symptoms like this for so long. Did it start randomly for you? I am 37, maybe slightly higher BMI than I should be but otherwise fit and healthy.

I do suffer from bad health anxiety too so I’m not sure if it’s in my head or whether I do have this condition but it’s made worse through focusing on it.

Cheers,

Carl.

[Jumpey]

It does sound like Gerd. Great you have a gp appointment. Good luck.

[ParkSchool5]

Hi Carl, it does sound like GERD symptoms, especially the burning into your throat caused by acid reflux. I know anxiety always makes my GERD flare up. Your GP might try you on a course of PPI meds which may help if it is GERD or help to rule it out if meds don't help. Best of luck.

[Carl87 in reply to ParkSchool5]

Ty for your reply. Does it feel sore too in the centre of the chest when taking a slow deep breath and holding it?

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Carl87]

Yes it does and also makes me cough when the acid particles come up into my throat, especially in the mornings.

[Carl87 in reply to ParkSchool5]

It sounds like what I have then. Especially as it comes and goes. Pretty gutted… as I know there isn’t a cure, will prob be on meds for life. I guess from a doctors point of view there is no way of telling without trial and error. The joys of getting older..

What age did it start for you if you don’t mind me asking, I know over time the Sphincter loses its strength which results in GERD.

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Carl87]

I was diagnosed in my 50's about 9 years ago. Your GP may refer you for an Endoscopy (have the sedation!) as it's the best way to see any inflammation, hiatus hernias etc., which I also have. It's quite miserable having to go without things I used to enjoy like any spicy food, coffee, chocolate, wine, tomatoes etc. (I can have the occasional beer at lunchtime) but not in the evening as my symptoms are worse after sleeping, although I do sleep propped up I still have a sore throat in the morning. As you say, the joys of getting older!

[ReallyWondering]

it could be Gerd but could also be something else. You’ll need an endoscopy to rule out anything else. I had heartburn like that for six months before it was determined I had low acid instead. So PPIs and H2 blockers never worked. Gaviscon seem to help temporarily but it would just come back. Ultimately B12 shots and iron pills seemed to resolve it. Turns out I have Pernicious anemia and low iron. I also use Vital Heartburn TX on occasion, which actually works.