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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Acid Reflux

I have had a hiatal hernia for the past 15 years, since I was 22. Five years ago I traveled to China and became suddenly ill. I developed a cough, and had a hard time breathing. I was unable to get rid of it while I was there for the month. I came back home to the U.S. and had to go to my doctor immediately. He said I had asthmatic bronchitis and I had to have a few breathing treatments and used an inhaler (albuterol and one with steroid) for a few months until the symptoms finally went away. Now when I get sick, I usually have the same symptoms (shortness of breath, chronic cough). Finally about a year and half ago, I had my last bout with bronchitis, but afterwards I developed this thick mucus that I have not been able to get rid of since. I also have had shortness of breath more regularly. I just went to my doctor last week since I feel this has something to do with acid reflux. He agreed and gave me prescription for omeprazole 40 mg, once a day. However, he said I could take two if needed and see how I feel after a week. I am still feeling the same way even after taking two pills a day. I feel the best when I barely eat. I am seriously considering having surgery done on my hernia, but was told by a gastroenterologist 10 years ago that it was useless because most likely it will come back. Have things changed in the surgical process since then, and is there a better surgical procedure nowadays like a wrap?
Wed, 29 Apr 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to health care magic,

From all your history and symptoms,you might be suffering from GERD.

For gastroesophageal reflux disease,

You will need drugs with some precautions and this combined effect will helpful to you.

You may require proton pump inhibitors(lansoprazole) with prokinetic drugs(cisapride,mosapride,levosulpride) which actually increases stomach emptying time along with effect on gasteoesophageal sphincter.

Apart from medication you need to follow certain listed things,

1) Avoid oily,spicy and high fiber diet.
2) Avoid eating with full stomach rather you eat small frequent meals.
3) Avoid taking rest for 2 hours after meal.
4) You can walk slowly up to first 2 hrs of meal but don't walk fast.
5) You made regular eating pattern.
6) Have your dinner before 8 pm so that at the time of sleeping your stomach will be empty.
7) Do yoga regularly.

All this cumulative effect will be beneficial to you while treating for the GERD.

Yes,it could be possible that your hiatus hernia is causing this wheezing and shortness of breath because in this hernia,the protruding part might cause compression over diaphragm leading to irritation of pleural tissue.

This mechanism might be the reason of your wheezing,asthmatic bronchitis and it can also cause shortness of breath and dull chest pain occasionally.

The surgical procedure used is called Nissen fundoplication. In fundoplication, the gastric fundus (upper part) of the stomach is wrapped, or plicated, around the inferior part of the esophagus, preventing herniation of the stomach through the hiatus in the diaphragm and the reflux of gastric acid.

Usually it is not serious but you can consult your gastro surgeon if it troubles you more.

Thanks and Regards,
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Suggest Treatment For Acid Reflux

Hi, Welcome to health care magic, From all your history and symptoms,you might be suffering from GERD. For gastroesophageal reflux disease, You will need drugs with some precautions and this combined effect will helpful to you. You may require proton pump inhibitors(lansoprazole) with prokinetic drugs(cisapride,mosapride,levosulpride) which actually increases stomach emptying time along with effect on gasteoesophageal sphincter. Apart from medication you need to follow certain listed things, 1) Avoid oily,spicy and high fiber diet. 2) Avoid eating with full stomach rather you eat small frequent meals. 3) Avoid taking rest for 2 hours after meal. 4) You can walk slowly up to first 2 hrs of meal but don t walk fast. 5) You made regular eating pattern. 6) Have your dinner before 8 pm so that at the time of sleeping your stomach will be empty. 7) Do yoga regularly. All this cumulative effect will be beneficial to you while treating for the GERD. Yes,it could be possible that your hiatus hernia is causing this wheezing and shortness of breath because in this hernia,the protruding part might cause compression over diaphragm leading to irritation of pleural tissue. This mechanism might be the reason of your wheezing,asthmatic bronchitis and it can also cause shortness of breath and dull chest pain occasionally. The surgical procedure used is called Nissen fundoplication. In fundoplication, the gastric fundus (upper part) of the stomach is wrapped, or plicated, around the inferior part of the esophagus, preventing herniation of the stomach through the hiatus in the diaphragm and the reflux of gastric acid. Usually it is not serious but you can consult your gastro surgeon if it troubles you more. Thanks and Regards,