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Suggest Treatment For GERD
Question: I was diagnosed with GERD and Barrett's esophagus 3 weeks ago. My doctor put me on lansoprazole 30mg a day. I never have had true heartburn symptoms of burning or regurgitation after eating, but instead constant throat clearing, a mild dry cough after lunch and a full feeling in my esophagus that comes and goes. The cough is gone but the throat clearing and fullness in my esophagus are not. I am wondering how long the PPI should take to work? Do I just need to give it more time or is the PPI not working? Thank you very much for your time and expertise.
Brief Answer:
give it some time.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for contacting HCM .
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition ,in which the stomach acid moves up into esophagus up to the throat and causes inflammation.
Most common symptoms are heartburn , bloating ,dry mouth ,dry cough ,sore throat and the sensation like something is stuck in throat.
These symptoms might not be present in all the cases.
Sometimes when the amount of stomach acid that moves up to esophagus is small ,then it doesn't case typical heartburn but this small amount is enough to inflame and irritate the throat.
This condition requires a long term management with drugs and lifestyle modifications.
The diet is very important to control reflux symptoms :
-You should avoid foods that trigger your symptoms like fried ,fatty foods, coffee ,alcohol ,chocolate ,carbonated beverages ,juices etc.
-You should eat small frequent meals instead of 3 major meals.
-Eat at least 2-3 hours before going to bed.
-Raise the head of your bed when sleeping ( you can use extra pillows.)
The main treatment is an PPI drug like Lansoprazole until the symptoms improve.
These drugs inhibit the production of stomach acid ,they are very effective in treating GERD but it may take some time to be totally effective.
It may take some time for the symptoms to improve (sometimes 2-4 months).
Since the diagnosis is established ,than this is the right treatment.You just have to give it some more time .
It is very important to follow the diet changes and lifestyle modifications to control reflux symptoms.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify .I will be happy to assist you further.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati.
give it some time.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for contacting HCM .
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition ,in which the stomach acid moves up into esophagus up to the throat and causes inflammation.
Most common symptoms are heartburn , bloating ,dry mouth ,dry cough ,sore throat and the sensation like something is stuck in throat.
These symptoms might not be present in all the cases.
Sometimes when the amount of stomach acid that moves up to esophagus is small ,then it doesn't case typical heartburn but this small amount is enough to inflame and irritate the throat.
This condition requires a long term management with drugs and lifestyle modifications.
The diet is very important to control reflux symptoms :
-You should avoid foods that trigger your symptoms like fried ,fatty foods, coffee ,alcohol ,chocolate ,carbonated beverages ,juices etc.
-You should eat small frequent meals instead of 3 major meals.
-Eat at least 2-3 hours before going to bed.
-Raise the head of your bed when sleeping ( you can use extra pillows.)
The main treatment is an PPI drug like Lansoprazole until the symptoms improve.
These drugs inhibit the production of stomach acid ,they are very effective in treating GERD but it may take some time to be totally effective.
It may take some time for the symptoms to improve (sometimes 2-4 months).
Since the diagnosis is established ,than this is the right treatment.You just have to give it some more time .
It is very important to follow the diet changes and lifestyle modifications to control reflux symptoms.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify .I will be happy to assist you further.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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