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Occasional GERD, Heartburn, Acid Reflux, Feeling Of Throat Being Sealed. Ideas To Prevent?
I don't generally have heartburn/GERD but sometimes I'll have food or drink that give it to me. I sleep on my stomach and two or three times in my life now I've gone to be feeling symptom-free, but woken up with acid reflux. It surges into my throat and seals it shut. I can gasp for air all I want, but nothing breaks the seal to get more air through. I have to stumble blindly into the bathroom and force water down my throat to break the seal/let me breathe. This is, understandably, really terrifying and I'm always worried it will somehow happen when I don't have easy access to water. I've googled a bunch for Acid Reflux symptoms/GERD and never seen anyone with this problem. I don't have throat closing issues or heartburn regularly at all. Any suggestions on what to do when this happens or how to prevent it?
Mon, 26 Aug 2013
Dear patient,
Untreated acid reflux can lead to spasm of the larynx and esophagus, which are reminiscent of the symptoms you describe. Waking up with a sour taste in the mouth is classic. The best treatment for this are proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole or lansoprazole which you can now get over the counter. Avoiding foods that give you reflux and nothing to eat 2 hours prior to bedtime are important, as well as elevating head of the bed.
Yours truly,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Cardiology
Mayo Clinic MN
Untreated acid reflux can lead to spasm of the larynx and esophagus, which are reminiscent of the symptoms you describe. Waking up with a sour taste in the mouth is classic. The best treatment for this are proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole or lansoprazole which you can now get over the counter. Avoiding foods that give you reflux and nothing to eat 2 hours prior to bedtime are important, as well as elevating head of the bed.
Yours truly,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Cardiology
Mayo Clinic MN
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