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What Does Acid Reflux With A Lump In The Throat Indicate?
Question: Hi, For a week now I have a lump feeling making it hard to swallow and my throat is a little sore. I have had acid reflux at night and my midsection is a little sore at times. What do you think is my cause for the lump feeling in my throat?
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Without being able to examine you and have a look in your throat, the most likely cause from your description is that acid reflux is causing inflammation in your throat which you are feeling as a lump.
I agree with raising the head of your bed and no food for 3 hours before bed.
I don't know what type of antacid you are taking, but I generally recommend Zantac 150 mg twice a day (or 300 mg once a day) for several weeks until the esophagus has had a chance to heal.
Zantac is ranitidine, an H2 blocker, which decreases the production of stomach acid by 70%. This is typically enough reduction to allow the lining to heal while still being able to digest the food.
I prefer to start people on this rather than a proton pump inhibitor as those have more side effect risks, and also risk of rebound hyperacidity on discontinuation.
Given that you have symptoms of acid reflux, avoid mint as that can relax the lower esophageal "sphincter" which can increase reflux.
Also, for now, avoid acidic food and drinks (citrus, tomato), alcohol, caffeine (including chocolate) and highly spicy or greasy foods.
In addition, eat smaller amounts at a time because when the stomach lining is stretched, it increases acid production as well as the pressure that can increase reflux.
If these measures don't help, then it is time to go in to see your doctor to have a look at you in person.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Without being able to examine you and have a look in your throat, the most likely cause from your description is that acid reflux is causing inflammation in your throat which you are feeling as a lump.
I agree with raising the head of your bed and no food for 3 hours before bed.
I don't know what type of antacid you are taking, but I generally recommend Zantac 150 mg twice a day (or 300 mg once a day) for several weeks until the esophagus has had a chance to heal.
Zantac is ranitidine, an H2 blocker, which decreases the production of stomach acid by 70%. This is typically enough reduction to allow the lining to heal while still being able to digest the food.
I prefer to start people on this rather than a proton pump inhibitor as those have more side effect risks, and also risk of rebound hyperacidity on discontinuation.
Given that you have symptoms of acid reflux, avoid mint as that can relax the lower esophageal "sphincter" which can increase reflux.
Also, for now, avoid acidic food and drinks (citrus, tomato), alcohol, caffeine (including chocolate) and highly spicy or greasy foods.
In addition, eat smaller amounts at a time because when the stomach lining is stretched, it increases acid production as well as the pressure that can increase reflux.
If these measures don't help, then it is time to go in to see your doctor to have a look at you in person.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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