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Suggest Treatment For Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

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Posted on Mon, 3 Apr 2017
Question: Have problems with gaging and coughing after i take a bite of food, sometimes even after having a sip of something.The gag plus the cough bring up a lot of mucus.this is happening more often in the last 3 weeks. I am feeling nauceous at times. i also feel tired etc... from all the gagging I even gag and cough while I am driving. I also visit the bathroom quite a bit at this time. the worse part is that even if I just swallow I gag and cough as well as have a problem with in continence
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease with reflux esophagitis.

Detailed Answer:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query,

Have noted all your details,

There are two possibilities-

1) Most likely its because of GERD with reflux esophagitis overlapped with gastritis.
2) Upper or Lower respiratory tract infection

As mentioned as it's most likely due to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. It is a form of digestive disorder, which affects the muscle rings present between the stomach and the food pipe. It causes the return of the contents of the stomach back to the food pipe. The functioning of the lower oesophageal(food pipe) sphincter is disrupted. The constant backwash of acid is irritating the lining of your esophagus causing it to become inflamed (esophagitis).

Over time, the inflammation can wear away the esophageal lining, and inflammation can involve the pharynx and surrounding structures also causing pain with heart burn. Constant irritation of the lining of mucosa causes increased mucous secretion causing gagging and coughing..

However, initially a Physical examination should be done by otholaryngologist to see if primary cause is pharyngitis or respiratory tract infection.Once cleared from E.N.T medications for GERD can be taken for symptomatic relief.

A swab culture should also be sent from pharynx area to see if there is any bacterial infection or not.

Heartburn is the primary symptom of GERD which causes a feeling like burning , nausea, vomiting , gagging and metallic taste. It's not necessary that all symptoms are there in every patient.

Tests advised -

An X-Ray chest PA view to rule out chest infection.
Endoscopy to examine the inner part of the oesophagus.
Ambulatory acid test for monitoring the amount of acid within the oesophagus.
Stool routine and microscopy(rule out infection).

Treatment-
If diagnosed as GERD,
You have to make several changes to your daily lifestyle and diet plan for controlling symptoms of GERD.

Food and beverages like chocolates, fatty food, coffee, alcohol and peppermint should be avoided in order to reduce the weakening of the lower oesophageal sphincter. Several food items irritate the damaged oesophageal lining and should also be avoided. They include citrus fruits, tomato and pepper.

Smoking cigarettes results in weakening of the lower oesophageal sphincter and should be stopped to reduce GERD.

Take Neksium(Esomeprazole) 40mg twice daily. Antacids(Mucaine gel) can be taken to neutralize the acid in the oesophagus and stomach. Prochlorperazine maleate 5mg can be taken to control nausea (please get the necessary prescription for these from your local physician). A probiotic should be taken daily to improve overall digestion.

In case you have any other questions, i would be glad to provide you further professional advice.

Regards


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (43 minutes later)
How could I have possibly gotten this. I do have many underlying problems. Could have the Tummy tuck been a factor?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Most likely its not because of tummy tuck(abdominoplasty),but yes obesity is a risk factor for GERD.
Obese patients with many ailments are always at high risk as compared to normal person.
However proper investigation as adviced is required to find out the cause.
So please follow what i said.

Follow up with reports

Regards

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Brief Answer: Most likely Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease with reflux esophagitis. Detailed Answer: Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query, Have noted all your details, There are two possibilities- 1) Most likely its because of GERD with reflux esophagitis overlapped with gastritis. 2) Upper or Lower respiratory tract infection As mentioned as it's most likely due to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. It is a form of digestive disorder, which affects the muscle rings present between the stomach and the food pipe. It causes the return of the contents of the stomach back to the food pipe. The functioning of the lower oesophageal(food pipe) sphincter is disrupted. The constant backwash of acid is irritating the lining of your esophagus causing it to become inflamed (esophagitis). Over time, the inflammation can wear away the esophageal lining, and inflammation can involve the pharynx and surrounding structures also causing pain with heart burn. Constant irritation of the lining of mucosa causes increased mucous secretion causing gagging and coughing.. However, initially a Physical examination should be done by otholaryngologist to see if primary cause is pharyngitis or respiratory tract infection.Once cleared from E.N.T medications for GERD can be taken for symptomatic relief. A swab culture should also be sent from pharynx area to see if there is any bacterial infection or not. Heartburn is the primary symptom of GERD which causes a feeling like burning , nausea, vomiting , gagging and metallic taste. It's not necessary that all symptoms are there in every patient. Tests advised - An X-Ray chest PA view to rule out chest infection. Endoscopy to examine the inner part of the oesophagus. Ambulatory acid test for monitoring the amount of acid within the oesophagus. Stool routine and microscopy(rule out infection). Treatment- If diagnosed as GERD, You have to make several changes to your daily lifestyle and diet plan for controlling symptoms of GERD. Food and beverages like chocolates, fatty food, coffee, alcohol and peppermint should be avoided in order to reduce the weakening of the lower oesophageal sphincter. Several food items irritate the damaged oesophageal lining and should also be avoided. They include citrus fruits, tomato and pepper. Smoking cigarettes results in weakening of the lower oesophageal sphincter and should be stopped to reduce GERD. Take Neksium(Esomeprazole) 40mg twice daily. Antacids(Mucaine gel) can be taken to neutralize the acid in the oesophagus and stomach. Prochlorperazine maleate 5mg can be taken to control nausea (please get the necessary prescription for these from your local physician). A probiotic should be taken daily to improve overall digestion. In case you have any other questions, i would be glad to provide you further professional advice. Regards