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What Causes Heartburn, Indigestion And Pneumonia With A History Of Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Question: I had gastric bypass surgery 14 years ago. I eat very little fried food, but I have begun having heartburn or indigestion. Last month I woke up with nasty liquid in my mouth and vomited several times. I ended up with pneumonia from that episode. What could be causing my problem?
Brief Answer:
You most likely have an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms that you have reported. I have reviewed your information fully and this is suggestive of a an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter. This allows food to return too the esophagus and mouth. Because this food contains acid, it causes pain in the throat and should it it get to the mouth, it would be acidic and sour to taste. I will ask you see a gastroenterologist for an upper EGD. This will allow him the chance to make this diagnosis. At times medical treatment along alongside lifestyle modifications can be enough. If this is not the case, then we may need surgical intervention for this. Consult your gastroenterologist and let me know what the outcome is regarding this.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
You most likely have an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms that you have reported. I have reviewed your information fully and this is suggestive of a an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter. This allows food to return too the esophagus and mouth. Because this food contains acid, it causes pain in the throat and should it it get to the mouth, it would be acidic and sour to taste. I will ask you see a gastroenterologist for an upper EGD. This will allow him the chance to make this diagnosis. At times medical treatment along alongside lifestyle modifications can be enough. If this is not the case, then we may need surgical intervention for this. Consult your gastroenterologist and let me know what the outcome is regarding this.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The gastroenterologist mentioned that it could also be a result of a problem with my gall bladder. If that is the case, would it have those same symptoms? I'm assuming that if it could, then the Dexilant would not work for that issue. What are your thoughts? Is the gall bladder a possibility?
Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be gall bladder related given your symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this follow up.
Certainly very unlikely to be related to gall bladder unless there are some symptoms your doctor is considering that you didn't make mention of. As you rightly said, all these medications which seem to offer significant relief to you are not effective on gall bladder diseases. Talk with him and raise incompetent lower esophageal sphincter as a potential cause of tour symptoms and hear what he says in this regard.
Keep me updated!
Unlikely to be gall bladder related given your symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this follow up.
Certainly very unlikely to be related to gall bladder unless there are some symptoms your doctor is considering that you didn't make mention of. As you rightly said, all these medications which seem to offer significant relief to you are not effective on gall bladder diseases. Talk with him and raise incompetent lower esophageal sphincter as a potential cause of tour symptoms and hear what he says in this regard.
Keep me updated!
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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