Question: I have been getting feelings in my throat, esophogus and chest that are similar to when you get butterflies in your stomach. This started up about six months ago. The first time it lasted for only 3 or 4 minutes, but lately the sensations last for three to six hours or longer. It is bothersome and I feel a tightness in my throat and almost like I have a constant adrenaline rush. I thought this was most likely due to acid reflux, but just now I drank a diet mountain dew and the sensations came on immediately after. I drink coffee which has caffeine and it doesn't affect me this way, so I cannot say that it is the caffeine in Mountain Dew that is causing this. I have no chest pain or pain in my left arm or shoulder. Any ideas?????

Thank you for your answer Dr. Naniksingh Kukreja. There is no history of cardiac disease in my immediate family nor do I have high blood pressure. My job, like many others carries a certain level of stress and although I am usually able to cope with it well, I will say that lately the stress level has been higher than normal. I was a light smoker off and on for about 20 years, but gave up the habit over 7 years ago. I do not consume any alcohol except for an occasional beer and at 5' 10" and 160 lbs, am not overweight. I stay fit by playing tennis several times a week and walking my dogs at night. I do engage in a poor meal pattern because I never eat breakfast, skip lunch and eat a large meal at the end of the day, but I have maintained this pattern of eating since I was 23 years old (am now 57) with no ill effects. I have not had a medical check up in over 5 years, but then have not felt the need to do so since until now, I have always been in fairly good health. These sensations that I am experiencing began about six months ago and the initial episode which only lasted a few minutes, occured on the driving range at my golf course. I felt a tightness in my throat and esophogus with an adrenaline type of rush that was uncomfortable , but not unbearable. As I am writing this to you, I am still experiencing the butterfly sensations and tightness like I described earlier, but now also there is a burning sensation which accompanies it. One thing I might have forgotten to mention is that I drink very little liquids during the day and consume approximately an entire 2 litre bottle of Diet Mountain Dew just about every night. Again, I have been doing this for many years with absolutely no ill effects. I am confused as to why this, if it is the cause, would all of a sudden become problematic. My main concern is that these symptoms not be an underlying cause of a more serious problem. I thank you in advance for your help and advice with this matter. XXXXXXX Fernandez