I’ve had persistent heartburn, acid reflux/GERD/IBS related symptoms for 3 weeks? What should I do?

[stefanpavel98]

I've had some mild acid reflux symptoms here and there in the last 2 years or so, but in the last 3 weeks I started having really intense heartburn, palpitations (possibly anxiety related) chest discomfort and strong pressure beneath breast bone (left side), loss of appetite, at night occasionally having bitter taste from acid, and feeling very full after short meals as well as occasionally having abdominal pain around the belly button area (I had this occasionally for about 3 months, which is very sensitive to touch and seems to be on the surface, possibly irrelevant or muscle related).

The heartburn / chest pressure seems to be relieved a little bit by omeprazole (strong dose of 40mg morning and before bed), Peptac liquid and Famotidine but it seems to be ongoing and constant for about 3 weeks now and is not relieved in a major way by these medicines. Spoken to my doctor (only on the phone), done blood tests which came back normal, done 2 stool tests (which showed a little bit of possible inflammation of the bowels + a little bit of microscopic blood slightly above the normal rate) so I've been sent to do a colonoscopy, but to me it seems more critical that an endoscopy will be needed regarding the heartburn / acid reflux related symptoms (which seem quite severe and persistent to me).

I am generally a healthy 22 year old guy (no smoking, drinking, eating healthy, normal stools, no diarrhoea, no difficulty breathing) with no underlying health issues (but I should mention that I had COVID in the last month with mild symptoms), but these current symptoms (especially the strong pressure beneath the breastbone which makes me unable to sleep at night as well as bothering me throughout the day) worry me a little bit and since the process of testing and seeing a specialist is quite long I wanted to get some opinions and directions in this situation.

***Questions that stem from all this:***

Can it be normal to have ongoing symptoms like this relating to acid reflux constantly for weeks or even months without the medication / diet changes having a very significant impact?

Can COVID (which I had in the last month (most symptoms went away btw) cause or aggravate this?

How can the severe heartburn / strong chest pressure beneath breastbone be relieved?

Also any other type of advice, information or opinion will be really appreciated!

[Hidden]

Sounds like h pylori infection! Have you been tested?

[Hidden]

I would ask your doctors if the stool test included h pylori. It’s normally a separate test to the calpotectin but would explain if this was slightly higher than normal

[Hidden]

Hi, I had exactly the same symptoms as you for years and the same treatments prescribed which didn’t seem to help. I’ve had 2 endoscopies, one which showed some inflammation in my stomach. Endoscopy would be more suitable in your case as it’s a stomach issue. I stopped taking the omeprazole and decided to try probiotics. Bioglan Biotic Balance, one a day was my saviour. I do occasionally have flare ups so have omeprazole available, but swear by probiotics. Try them, I hope it helps you too.

[ifiweopfjwfjwef]

Hi there. A lot could be causing the symptoms you are describing. As already mentioned, get tested for h. pylori. You don't need an endoscopy to do that, it can be checked through a stool test. If that is negative the next step would be an upper endoscopy (I agree with you, it seems weird they would send you to a colonoscopy). The symptoms also checks in with gastritis (inflammation). They will be able to find out for sure during the endoscopy or through biopsies taken during the procedure.

Sometimes the basic tests and procedures are not enough to correctly diagnose the symptoms. I have similar symptoms like the ones you're experiencing (particularly the chest pressure, early satiety, refractory hearburn/reflux that is not really relieved by PPIs and antacids). I have been suffering for two years now. I've had multiple endoscopies, colonocopies, CT scans, motility studies, pH readings and more.

[farmergiles]

I can only tell you that I've been taking Omeprazole since before you were born ( ! ) for acid reflux. I don't like taking any medication for that long but even if I miss one dose my night is unpleasantly disturbed by reflux. Have you tried experimenting with diet? My bloating was eased by following a relatively high fibre diet but only limited fruit and veg after early afternoon. When do you eat your main meal? If in the evening, can you try making it lunch time? Have you thought of investigating possible allergies by blood test? Kefir probiotic has good results, especially if made with goats milk. Google 'Chuckling Goat'

[Lovemyfamily89]

Hi stefanpavel98,

I cannot comment on covid, but the length of your current flare up is usual for me and to be honest, as I get older, the length of each flare up gets longer. I’ve just suffered six weeks and like all the other times, just when I think it will never settle, it does. I hardly eat at all when it flares up and I live on skimmed/semi skimmed milk. I hate the taste of milk so I buy the banana flavoured ‘moo milk’. I’ve suffered this for almost 15 years and my gallbladder was taken out 12 years ago but didn’t improve the problem. I was prescribed oneprazole, then lansoperaxole and usually they help. Unfortunately, my new GP ( my original retired) thinks long term use of PPI’s is not to be recommended so he’s stopped them. I do agree with him in principal, I’ve read lots about the subject but as he’s only given me peptic liquid ( despite the fact that I told him it a) doesn’t work for me and b) makes me vomit ( I drank gallons during my two pregnancies some years ago) I am terribly scared how bad and how long the next flare up will be. The pain you feel and location is identical to mine. Sorry, I’ve never found a way to relieve it other than to stop eating but I hope you find something to relieve the pain & discomfort. It does sound like an endoscopy would be a good idea. I’ve had lots, and colonoscopies too and the last time I had both in the same appointment. I’m told neither showed anything wrong. Personally, I’m convinced my problem is related to the valve which sits at the bottom of the oesophagus, in the middle of the breastbone. For women who suffer with this problem, it’s often heightened in pregnancy which mine was. As soon as I had given birth, the problem disappeared, until it reappeared in my late 30’s. I wish you lots of luck and hope you feel better soon 😀