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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 12/9/2011 11:50 AM (GMT 0)
Went to the ENT because of periodic sore throat. Would wake up with sore throat, once I woke up in AM

brushed my teeth with new toothpaste and I thought the toothpaste burnt the back of my throat, sides

of mouth and tongue. I would gargle for a few days and it would go away. ENT scoped throat in office

and said mild acid reflux. Prescribed Previcid. Said take for one month then stop. If sore throat comes

back then continue taking and He said I'm stuck taking it rest of life. I have to take 40mg a day.

Sometimes glands in neck and throat get sore and swell some not severe but uncomfortable. Has

anyone else had this experience?

Thanks

Bri

Posted 12/9/2011 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
Also no heartburn whatsoever. Only periodic uncomfortable sore throats and swollen glands that come and go.
Bri
Posted 12/9/2011 2:43 PM (GMT 0)
Bri,

Welcome to the GERD corner of Healing Well!  I'm sorry you have to visit us, but since you did, welcome!  It sounds like you have the famous "Silent GERD".  You can have it without ever having a moment of heartburn.  Strange, isn't it? 

You may have already done some research on the subject, but here's a URL with some very good information:

http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/laryngopharyngeal-reflux-silent-reflux

From what you describe, you have the form of GERD called LPR.  There are many here diagnosed with that form of reflux.  In fact, I also was diagnosed with LPR.  It's considered and "atypical" form of GERD, as the full-blown, "regular" type consists of lots of heartburn, and severe reflux of acid and even food.

Hang in there.  Hopefully you'll be in the majority of patients who find that the PPIs do the trick.  Unfortunately, your ENT is probably right that you may need to take it always.  The exception would be if you had an event that created an unusual circumstance...maybe a gastritis episode, or vomiting, or eating/drinking something very irritating. 

I'm glad you've been to a specialist, as it's not smart to allow symptoms to persist without diagnosis.

Good luck!  Hopefully the meds will do the trick.

Denise

Posted 12/9/2011 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
I've also had the sore (but not necessarily swollen) glands in my throat - usually from 12 hours of clearing my throat pretty much non stop. I've had this for years for usually it went away after an hour or so. But back in August I ate spagetti and meatball with LOTS of diced tomatoes for 4 days and I think that is what set me off and it hasn't gone away except for a day or so here and there. I had no idea that I was burning my throat and larynx with the tomatoes or I wouldn't have done it - that's when I found out about lpr - never heard of it before. Have fun trying to get rid of it. I hope you have an easier time than me and that you have insurance that actually pays something. I was on ppi's for almost 3 months before I stopped (not cold turkey) - maybe I shouldn't have but I have had no worsening or lessening of symptoms since then so I guess I'm OK with not taking them. I'm trying the "dropping acid" diet mentioned on this forum - I'm in day 4 and haven't had any big improvement but it's early. Good luck and this is a great forum with a lot of nice people on it - so I hope it helps.
Posted 12/9/2011 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, yes I have GERD but rarely have heartburn. The acid reflux happens for me at night and since we are lying down at night, it goes to the throat.
I had a scope after complaining of a sore throat and hoarseness, that I thought were from my hypothyroidism. But the ENT said she saw esophageal scarring from the reflux. Even though I don't have symptoms every day, I am taking the Prilosec (off brand of omeprazole magnesium though - much cheaper) twice a day. The danger of not treating the GERD and esophageal erosion is esophageal cancer, the most serious side effect of GERD.

I don't like taking something when it seems like I don't need it - that is, when I'm not having symptoms right then, but now I understand that it is a preventive measure.
Posted 12/10/2011 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
dont want to scare you but i have had it for 5 years.  used every ppi out there plus had surgery.  still suffering.  constant throat clearing, water brash globus, sore throat nothing has relieved symptoms for morethan a few days.  once the ppis dont work the ents have nothing up their sleeves.  they throw pills at you automatically and are surprised when they do not work. 
Posted 12/11/2011 4:56 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks everyone for the help! I developed this so suddenly  no warning just woke with burnt

throat and mouth about 10 months ago.Seems as though drinks bother me the most. Can't

drink anything but water.  Swollen glands worry me. They come and go with the sore throat

and feeling of lump in throat that will last for days.

Bri

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