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GERD vs. acid reflux

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 1/10/2008 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
What exactly is the difference? Can you have acid reflux and not GERD?
Posted 1/10/2008 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Stu. GERD and acid reflux are not the same thing. Acid reflux is actually a cause of GERD. You can certainly have acid reflux without having GERD. Here are actual definitions... Acid reflux is the condition in which stomach acid flows back (refluxes) into your esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where you have ongoing symptoms, like heartburn that occurs two or more times a week, or damage to the esophagus because of continual acid reflux. GERD is also called acid reflux disease. Hope this helps you out! Wishing you the best!
Posted 1/10/2008 3:00 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks Tammy. Without going to a GI doc and not having any tests done yet, I would say I have acid reflux without GERD.

Or at least I hope so! :)

Posted 1/10/2008 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
It is very possible that is what you have going on. You are going to the doctor though to get a definate answer, right? I am sorry if you have already mentioned having an appointment set up, as I don't remember!
Posted 1/10/2008 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Been seeing an ENT who thought it was acid reflux. On Protonix now. Symptoms don't seem severe... but they aren't going away either.

I think I need to see a GI doc as a next step and maybe get an endoscopy. Going to Berlin for 2 weeks at the beginning of February for work, so not sure if I should go before or after I return.

Posted 1/10/2008 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
Do you think you can wait til the middle of February to get answers? If so, then when you get back, worry about it, or you can even call and get an appointment set up for then. You might not even be able to get in before you leave, so if I were you, I'd call and see what's available. Let me know what's going on. And boy...good luck in Berlin!!! Bring me back something! LOL
Posted 1/11/2008 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
hi i went to the ent first if your getting throat problems from acid its LERD which is laryx reflux disease as thats what i was getting at 1st now its just problems from acid. it does not make much differnce there all acid coming up problems :-)
Posted 1/11/2008 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts bok!!!
Posted 1/21/2008 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
With my symptoms persisting... they began in late October with a feeling I couldn't get a deep breath... I had my endoscopy on Friday. GI doc says everything looked normal... esophogus, stomach and part of the small intestine... but took a biopsy to see if that will reveal anything.

My symptoms seem to vary as of late... not so much heartburn at all or breathing problems but, rather, a feeling like my throat is full of mucus and every time I try to swallow I can feel something in there that won't go away... so maybe it's the acid? GI doc also says it could be irritable bowel syndrome. Also, and I've never done this before, I'm constantly burping ... small, little ones... when I get up in the morning.

I should hear from the doc later this week with the biopsy results but I'm feeling depressed and frustrated, like this is never going to get better. On 40mg of Protonix right now, but doesn't seem to be working. Doc said stay on it for now until we get the results.

Just thought I'd vent and share. Hopefully some good news will come soon.

Thanks,

Stu

Posted 1/21/2008 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there Stu. Glad to hear that the GI doc says everything looks normal. That should give you a little sigh of relief. Your burping, and weird feeling in your throat could very well be acid. Have you tried a liquid antacid before bed? I am sorry if I have asked you this before, I just find that they help a lot of people in most cases. Please, let us know what the biopsy results are...I am confident they will be fine, but I look forward to your update! wishing you all the best Stu!!!!
Posted 1/21/2008 8:42 PM (GMT 0)
No, haven't tried a liquid antacid. Which would you recommend? Is it to be taken just before bedtime?

Thanks!
Posted 1/21/2008 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there Stu!  There are a number of liquid antacids out there... I am going to give you some links to the homepages.  Please read them, and make your decision based on what you see.  You may also want to talk to your doctor before taking a liquid antacid, if you are on other medications.  http://www.maalox.ca/products.htm This is the Maalox home.  They have a product called the Liquid Maalox nighttime antacid plus acid reflux barrier.  That might be good if your issues are late night or early morning. http://www.maalox.ca/products.htm This is the Mylanta home.  They have a number of different products to chose from as well. Those are 2 of the most known ones, and if I were you, I'd probably look most into the nighttime antacid. Please, let me know how it goes for you. Also, please bear in mind, you need to use these as directed.  Eventhough they are OTC, they still have potential side effects, and can be dangerous if used wrong.  Also, if you have any tests for acid in the stomach or anything like that, you will want to check with your doctor before using, as these can make it appear that you have less acid in your stomach, and can alter test results. Please, let me know what you decide to do, and how it works for you! Wishing you all the best!
Posted 1/21/2008 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much Tammy. Will look into those and talk to my doc too for his thoughts as well.
Posted 1/22/2008 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Great Stu...let me know how things go! I look forward to hearing from you! Wishing you all the best!
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