Breathing problems, and GERD some advice?

Hi, I was diagnosed with GERD 3 years ago, with a 24h PH test, and a endoscopy, combined with a pressure test, showing that my (don't remember the name, muscle who should keep the acid down, was weak).

I was put on Nexium, which resolved the heartburn issues, but I was still experiencing difficulties with my stomach (nausea, bowel movements etc), so my doctor took me off the Nexium. This did not really make me feel any different, so we decided to stop the PPI usage, slowly the heartburn came back, but it was manageable, and I did not want to go back on Nexium, (this was in the summer, last year.)

A few weeks ago, I got a sensation of tightness in the chest, and a feeling that breathing in was harder than it should be, at first I ignored it, but it got worse, and lead to a doctor visit, he performed an ECG, Blood-pressure and temperature that turned out just fine, a few days later it was gone...

But now, it's back, I did not think of it being linked to my GERD, but I'm now quiet certain it is! It's like something is wrong with the throat, a constant pressure on my chest, and it feels like breathing in is harder than usual. I also cough, pointing towards "silent reflux?" It's quiet annoying, and makes me anxious, I got Zantac (150mg) tablets, prescribed from my doc (have not talked to him in a while, due to my current vacation) and I need some advice to how I should proceed, minimizing the damage from the acid, I have raised my bed, and I will watch my food, but should I also supplement with Zantac ? Will this ease the potential acid-damage? And make my body able to heal faster?

I'm quiet certain it's my GERD messing with me, can anybody relate? (Male 22)

Post Edited (iNzzane) : 7/25/2014 7:17:37 PM (GMT-6)

Thanks Joan, I will try to keep myself away from the Coca Cola.. It rather strange tough, I drink WAY to much Coke but still, it took a year without PPI's before I got a reaction like this, even tough i assume Coke is a big no-no when it comes to acid. Well, heartburn has always been a common occurrence, but not like this, messing up the airways, and damaging the throat.

The breathing / chest tightness part is the worst, because you get anxious and afraid for any underlying cause, like hearth / lung problems.. I took a Zantac today, took away the burning sensation, but I can still feel the reflux messing with my throat, even now when I'm sitting at the computer. Crossing my fingers that the Zantac will reduce the amount of damage, and heal my throat.

Yeah, I'm very lucky living in Norway, so everything health related is covered and free. I'm feeling with those struggling with the insurance thing, sounds like a horrible system. I bought 'Fast Tract Digestion Heartburn' book from Amazon yesterday, it may be time to try a GERD diet, instead of going back on Nexium, and let it destroy my stomach. Still wrapped around tight in my chest, sweating and dizzy, I may order an dr. appointment tomorrow, just to calm myself down, and have a chat, it may be time for a new endoscopy *ugh* but it would be nice to know how things where going down there, since it's been a while (2 years) since my last one.

Thanks for your wise words

UPDATE :

Went to my doc today, he took an ECG, Blood-tests, and blood-pressure, nothing wrong there.. he also want me to take 24h ECG test, just to rule out any heart issues. He pressed around my stomach, and found a point just where the ribs meets, that was hurting when he pressed, pointing towards some kind of irritation down there.

He wanted me to go back on Nexium, but I don't want to! Should I? He pointed out that he would use the Nexium just until the irritation was gone, and then quit again, but I don't feel like putting that Nexium poison down my throat again, causing my stomach to go viral. I'm trying to eat GERD food, should this be enough to heal up? Or should I really go back on Nexium?

Post Edited (iNzzane) : 7/28/2014 7:37:49 AM (GMT-6)