I have been diagnosed with acid reflux disease/GERD. I also have anxiety disorder. I have very weird symptoms.
I am 40mg of Protonix twice daily. My problem is though, about 3-4 times a day my chest gets these very weird pains in them. More like pressure. And this also is on my throat. They uncomfort lasts about 20 minutes all the way up to 3 hours. Also, about once or twice a day my heart feels like its skipping a major beat. But I feel my pulse and it’s okay. Around 85-95 BPM. The uncomfort pretty much comes after I eat, and it feels like there is food maybe in my lower/mid esophogas. But these episodes with my heart feeling like its skipping beats really worries me. My anxiety is not an issue with this problem, I am on .25 mg of Xanax (Alprazolam) for that. But this uncomfort is really bugging me. It also kind of goes up my neck also. Which makes me think heart attack, but I’ve had every test done for my heart. All my blood work is okay, and my stress echo came back good as well. I just want to know if I’m having spasams in my esophogas or something else? Please help.
Also. This mostly happens at the end of the day. I dont believe it is stress related because I quit my job not too long ago, and I am okay financially. I get headaches a lot, and also strained vision.
One more thing. The acid is not a problem in my stomach anymore. I do not have so called "heartburn". The acid is kept down pretty well with the Protonix. Its the "episodes" where my throat and chest "freak out", or spasam? And the constant feeling of something in my throat. And it is very easy for me to vomit whatever I ate, even 4 hours afterwards. I hope this is enough information for you guys. Many answers would be nice.
And, also the constant pressure on my chest. I just want to know if this is gastro related or what? And if anyone has ever heard of this. It feels like I am short of breath, then all of a sudden I kind of burp, but it does not relieve the symptom.
Filed under: Gerd Symptoms
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Incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter allows reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, causing burning pain. Prolonged reflux may lead to esophagitis, stricture, and rarely metaplasia. Diagnosis is clinical, sometimes with endoscopy, with or without acid testing. Treatment involves lifestyle modification, acid suppression using proton pump inhibitors, and sometimes surgery.
Certain foods and lifestyle are considered to promote gastroesophageal reflux:
Coffee, alcohol, and excessive amounts of Vitamin C supplements are stimulants of gastric acid secretion. Taking these before bedtime especially can promote evening reflux. Calcium containing antacids are in this group.
Foods high in fats and smoking reduce lower esophageal sphincter competence, so avoiding these tends to help, as well. Fat also delays emptying of the stomach.
Having more but smaller meals also reduces the risk of GERD, as it means there is less food in the stomach at any one time.
avoid eating for 2 hours before bedtime
avoid soft drinks
avoid chocolate and peppermint
avoid spicy foods
avoid acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes (however, they are okay when fresh.)
avoid cruciferous vegetables: onions, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts
milk and milk-based products contain calcium and fat, so should be avoided before bedtime
Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive, almost daily, anxiety and worry for ≥ 6 mo about many activities or events. The cause is unknown, although it commonly coexists in people who have alcohol abuse, major depression, or panic disorder. Diagnosis is based on history and physical examination. Treatment is psychotherapy, drug therapy, or both.
Please see the web pages for more details on GERD, Generalized anxiety disorder, Pantoprazole (generic name) Protonix (brand name) and Alprazolam (generic name) Xanax (brand name).
omg i have those same symptoms i thought i was crazy the Dr said it was stress causing heart palpitations and if not that it could be from being tired or worked up but he said it was nothing serious and but me on lexapro for stress and its not a heart attack if you blood pressure is good the Dr told me it was a pretty normal problem to have but it still scares me to and i always think I’m going to die when it happens hope this helps
MY WIFE HAVE THIS PROBLEM,IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO
CAN DO, YOU JUST DRINK HAT YELLOW ST OF FOR COMFORT ONLY