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Suggest Remedy For Productive Cough And Pain In Thoracic Spine Area
Question: I had a productive cough for almost two months. At the same time I had a pain in my thoracic spine area. Mostly back pain that feels like a muscle knot and occasionally chest pain. I had a chest xray and ECG. Both were normal. Eventually the cough went away. However, it reappeared over the holidays. In addition, I started experiencing nausea everyday. I am wondering if this might be GERD or esophageal cancer (I always imagine the worst case!). Your help would be greatly appreciated!
Brief Answer:
Can be allergic or due to GERD
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
Since chest Xray is normal, it is unlikely to be due to a chest infection.
The other possibilities are an allergic cough or secondary to GERD. If you would get blood test for IgE antibody, it would be elevated in allergic cough and also the blood and sputum eosinophilia may be present.
If there is no difficulty in swallowing, it very unlikely to be due to a esophageal cancer.
If you are very concerned, an upper GI endoscopy would rule it out.
Take care,
Dr Noble Zachariah
Can be allergic or due to GERD
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
Since chest Xray is normal, it is unlikely to be due to a chest infection.
The other possibilities are an allergic cough or secondary to GERD. If you would get blood test for IgE antibody, it would be elevated in allergic cough and also the blood and sputum eosinophilia may be present.
If there is no difficulty in swallowing, it very unlikely to be due to a esophageal cancer.
If you are very concerned, an upper GI endoscopy would rule it out.
Take care,
Dr Noble Zachariah
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
After doing some superficial research on GERD I realize that it can cause ear problems. Is that true? I have had ear issues for about a year now. I didn't mention it because I didn't think it was related.
If it is GERD, I do not experience heartburn.
On another note, I had significant stress when the cough first developed. Would this factor in?
Lastly, the cough seemed to disappear after I began working out again and drinking less alcohol. During the holidays the cough returned. I was not working out and eating and drinking more for a couple weeks.
Would you recommend a particular OTC antacid to try out?
Cheers,
XXXX
Also, which specialty would perform an upper GI endoscopy?
If it is GERD, I do not experience heartburn.
On another note, I had significant stress when the cough first developed. Would this factor in?
Lastly, the cough seemed to disappear after I began working out again and drinking less alcohol. During the holidays the cough returned. I was not working out and eating and drinking more for a couple weeks.
Would you recommend a particular OTC antacid to try out?
Cheers,
XXXX
Also, which specialty would perform an upper GI endoscopy?
Brief Answer:
Gaviscon and Healthy lifestyle would help
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
GERD may sometimes cause an inflammation in the back of your nose where the eustachian tube going to the middle ear originates. So it is possible to have ear symptoms due to GERD.
Stress and anxiety can cause cough.
Alcohol , overweight and inactivity increase GERD.
You can reduce the symptoms by avoiding alcohol and caffeinated /aerated beverages, going to bed on an empty stomach (your last meal / drink ) should be more than 2 hours before bed time.
Gaviscon would be helpful in relieving the symptoms.
Take care
Gaviscon and Healthy lifestyle would help
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
GERD may sometimes cause an inflammation in the back of your nose where the eustachian tube going to the middle ear originates. So it is possible to have ear symptoms due to GERD.
Stress and anxiety can cause cough.
Alcohol , overweight and inactivity increase GERD.
You can reduce the symptoms by avoiding alcohol and caffeinated /aerated beverages, going to bed on an empty stomach (your last meal / drink ) should be more than 2 hours before bed time.
Gaviscon would be helpful in relieving the symptoms.
Take care
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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