question about excess air/swallowing

Hi all,
I'm new to posting on this forum. I usually hang out with the Ulcerative Colitis folks, though I read posts here from time to time. Much to my surprise, I had a GERD diagnosis a few months ago. I seldom have heart burn, but have learned since that there are other symptoms. I had endoscopy with my esophogus being dilated because of having difficulty swallowing and was prescribed Protonix. Since that procedure, I've had trouble with feeling like I am swallowing air when I eat. Sometimes it's really uncomfortable, and the only way I can relieve it is by swallowing more air and belching (decidedly unlady-like.) If I'm eating with other people, I just pick at my food and eat ve-r-r-ry slowly, since I don't want to gross everyone out.
I'm just wondering if this is typical. I have UC which messes with my digestive system too, but I never had this particular problem on a regular basis until the endoscopy procedure. Oh yeah, I also have a hiatus hernia.

Maggie

Hi Maggie,
I went through a long spell a few years ago of seemingly swallowing alot of air. It seemed so silly, and I would try to swallow, without swallowing air.....but I wasn't sure how to do that! I, too, would try to make myself burp, but I discovered that that actually introduces even more air into your stomach. But it sure makes you feel better for a second or two!
I usually ended up taking alot of gas-x for it. So much of this sensation seemed to go away for me, when I started taking Aciphex. I'm thinking you might not be swallowing air, but it feels like you are, because you get so bloated a little further down. Have you read about carbs potentially causing alot of gas? Perhaps you could try cutting back on your carb consumption.
Is Protonix a proton pump inhibitor? How long have you been on it?
I know that someties when one ppi doesn't work for you, another will, so you might consider trying another, if this one doesn't work after a few weeks.
For me, my worst symptom of GERD was incredible upper GI bloating. I burped 24 hours a day!! Once I got started on the Aciphex, I quit burping!! It was so wonderful!

When you say you feel like you're swallowing air........do you mean you're bloated?? Or might you mean you feel like you have something caught in your throat? I just want to be sure we're talking about the same thing.

Hey guys,
Give a read to some of my posts, cut out the excess carbs (high starch and sugar) and watch the gas disspaear. In my opinios swallowed gas is not the real problem, its gas produced by microbes in your gut eating unabsorbed carbs.

Norm

opinions based on experience and research