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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can GERD And Pain While Swallowing Be Treated?

I am 76 yr old female with a hiatal hernia, a slow reflux, painful swallowing and gerd. My doctor prescribed Ranitidine. It has helped. The price went up and I m looking for alternatives. Are digestive enzymes with pancreatin good for what ails me? I eat a good diet based on fresh vegetable, small amounts of lean meat and fruit. There are some processed foods in there too. (pasta and pretzel chips) I take a statin, losartin and clopidigrel because I had a TIA 2 years ago.
Wed, 13 Dec 2017
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi and welcome to Healthcaremagic. Thank you for your query.
I understand your concerns and I will try to help you as much as I can.

Swallowing difficulties is nonspecific sign and may indicate several conditions. It is seen in smokers commonly. ALso it can be sign of esophageal spasms, tumors or GERD. However, most common cause is
hiatal hernia and this means that stomach is protruding through diaphragm muscle.
It may cause breathing difficulties,nausea, swallowing difficulties and irritation of stomach. It will also be aggravated by certain food or medications, stress and smoking. You need to avoid fried food, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and spicy food. You should eat more milk products, vegetables and boiled food. Also, certain antiacid medications may be required and as last option, it is possible to perform surgical repair of hernia especially if there are progressive respiratory discomfort and dyspepsia. To diagnose it you should do gastroscopy and if this is negative as in your case then you should do contrast xrays of stomach.

I hope I have answered you query. If you have any further questions you can contact us in every time.
Kindly regards. Wish you a good health.
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How Can GERD And Pain While Swallowing Be Treated?

Hi and welcome to Healthcaremagic. Thank you for your query. I understand your concerns and I will try to help you as much as I can. Swallowing difficulties is nonspecific sign and may indicate several conditions. It is seen in smokers commonly. ALso it can be sign of esophageal spasms, tumors or GERD. However, most common cause is hiatal hernia and this means that stomach is protruding through diaphragm muscle. It may cause breathing difficulties,nausea, swallowing difficulties and irritation of stomach. It will also be aggravated by certain food or medications, stress and smoking. You need to avoid fried food, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and spicy food. You should eat more milk products, vegetables and boiled food. Also, certain antiacid medications may be required and as last option, it is possible to perform surgical repair of hernia especially if there are progressive respiratory discomfort and dyspepsia. To diagnose it you should do gastroscopy and if this is negative as in your case then you should do contrast xrays of stomach. I hope I have answered you query. If you have any further questions you can contact us in every time. Kindly regards. Wish you a good health.