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Question: Hello doctor maybe you can give me an idea as to whether I have a hernia or is it just reflux . On the 8 September this year I woke to having pretty severe sharp stabbing pains in my chest on the left side just below my breast. As the day went I'm it didn't subside it started to go to my shoulder blades on the left side as well as I couldn't lift my left arm to wash my hair or hand the washing out, I put up with it for about 4 days because I was going to dr to get results from a glucose intolerance test, which is fine. Told the dr and I had an ECG to rule out the heart, I did lift some heavy wood and thought I've torn muscles and it will go away. Today the sharp stabbing pains have gone but there is still a constant ache there I have been doing some research on hernias gerd indigestion and heartburn, I have suffered heart burn mainly when I was pregnant many years ago it very rarely happens so it's not that. However I do wake up some nights like I'm going to vomit and an awful. Sour liquid regurgitates I do have burping not excessively but I do it when I get up from laying down, I have noticed a gurgling popping sound to when I had this attack seems to have gone now. I am obese and have other issues the des are dealing with , the only medication I am on is divan for blood pressure, do you have any ideas
Brief Answer:
Most likely it is Acid reflux.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to HealthcareMagic!
I read carefully your query and understand your concerns.
Considering all your symptoms ,most likely you have Acid reflux.
This is a condition when the stomach acid moves up into esophagus causing inflammation and all the typical symptoms.
Sometimes acid reflux can cause chest pain that can easily be confused with the pain of a heart disease.In your case it is possible that the pain in your chest is related to acid reflux .
During night because the body is in horizontal position ,it is more easy for the stomach acid to moves up into esophagus up to respiratory tract.
It is very common that people with acid reflux wake up at night with severe cough because they can aspirate acid in airways.
Another common symptom is sore throat and the sour taste of acid in mouth .
You can manage acid reflux symptoms by lifestyle modifications.
This is the first line of treatment recommended:
-Avoid spicy,fatty ,processed foods, coffee and other drinks that contain caffeine ,chocolate , juices , and other foods that trigger your symptoms.
-Eat small frequent meals instead of three major meals.
-Drink plenty of fluids.
-Exercise regularly at least 45 min every day 5 days a week.
Since you are overweight ,it is very important for you to lose some weight because being overweight is a major risk for acid reflux.
-You should eat dinner at least 3 hours before going to bed.
-Raise the head of your bed at least 6-8 inches (you can use extra-pillows ) so your body will not be in horizontal position during night minimizing the symptoms of acid reflux.
If all these doesn't help to control your symptom you may need to start a medication like an Anti-acid ,Ranitidine or an PPI drug (Omeprazole).
If lifestyle modifications and treatment can't control symptoms of acid reflux,then hiatal hernia should be suspected as a possible cause.
In this case an barium X-ray and Upper endoscopy can confirm the diagnosis of reflux.
I hope my answer has helped.
Let me know if you have other questions or doubts to clarify.
Kind Regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Most likely it is Acid reflux.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to HealthcareMagic!
I read carefully your query and understand your concerns.
Considering all your symptoms ,most likely you have Acid reflux.
This is a condition when the stomach acid moves up into esophagus causing inflammation and all the typical symptoms.
Sometimes acid reflux can cause chest pain that can easily be confused with the pain of a heart disease.In your case it is possible that the pain in your chest is related to acid reflux .
During night because the body is in horizontal position ,it is more easy for the stomach acid to moves up into esophagus up to respiratory tract.
It is very common that people with acid reflux wake up at night with severe cough because they can aspirate acid in airways.
Another common symptom is sore throat and the sour taste of acid in mouth .
You can manage acid reflux symptoms by lifestyle modifications.
This is the first line of treatment recommended:
-Avoid spicy,fatty ,processed foods, coffee and other drinks that contain caffeine ,chocolate , juices , and other foods that trigger your symptoms.
-Eat small frequent meals instead of three major meals.
-Drink plenty of fluids.
-Exercise regularly at least 45 min every day 5 days a week.
Since you are overweight ,it is very important for you to lose some weight because being overweight is a major risk for acid reflux.
-You should eat dinner at least 3 hours before going to bed.
-Raise the head of your bed at least 6-8 inches (you can use extra-pillows ) so your body will not be in horizontal position during night minimizing the symptoms of acid reflux.
If all these doesn't help to control your symptom you may need to start a medication like an Anti-acid ,Ranitidine or an PPI drug (Omeprazole).
If lifestyle modifications and treatment can't control symptoms of acid reflux,then hiatal hernia should be suspected as a possible cause.
In this case an barium X-ray and Upper endoscopy can confirm the diagnosis of reflux.
I hope my answer has helped.
Let me know if you have other questions or doubts to clarify.
Kind Regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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