I had all those symptoms. The ER even thought I was having a heart attack except for the strange little fact that I didn't have the tell-tale cardiac enzymes. It doesn't necessarily mean your throat has been damaged. My stomach doctor (gastroenterologist) explained to me that these types of damage often take years to occur. You probably need to talk with your doctor about seeing a specialist for an upper GI scope (endoscope). This is a procedure where you are sedated and tube is inserted down your throat into the intestines and stomach. It has a camera and the doctor can tell right away if there is damage. He will do a biposy of any inflammation areas found. It sounds scarier than it is.
Some common symptoms of GERD: acid or metallic taste in mouth, burning feeling in throat, stomach, intestines, chest discomfort (be careful--it can and does mimic heart attack so always see a doctor if you have this symptom), feeling like something is stuck in the throat, sore throat, hoarseness, urge to clear throat, respiratory distress (as in drainage, sinus problems), pain in the abdomen (essentially anywhere but commonly in the center from the belly button to the breast bone, and from just under the rib cage to the groin on either or both sides), nausea. Symptoms are also similar to gastritis (in fact gastritis and GERD often go hand in hand), IBS, and other bowel related problems.
Anxiety, stress and certains foods can and do trigger a reflux reaction.
Marburg
mmd said...
Hello everyone! I'm glad to find this forum.
My doctor has put me on Prilosec for what might be GERD. He hasn't ordered any tests for now but I follow up with him in a month. I don't really have heartburn (maybe a mild episode every once in a while), but I do feel like acid is going up chest, especially when I sit for a long time or sometimes, when I bend over. For the past week, I've developed a feeling in my throat like something is stuck in there, plus the urge to clear my throat. I also sometimes feel like there is fluid going down my ears. I don't have difficulty swallowing though, but now my voice is hoarse.
The throat symptoms are what are worrying me the most. Are throat symptoms a sign that I have more advanced GERD or even changes in my esophagus already? I do have health anxiety so I tend to think negatively anyway. I wouldn't be surprised if my GERD is caused by anxiety along with being overweight (ie. large stomach - I'm about 30 lbs overweight) and sitting (slouched) at the computer so much.
I don't know how long I've had this. I don't remember being bothered by any of these things until about the middle of last year. Like I said, the throat symptoms only appeared about a week ago. I have had a problem with bloating too, along with this. My doctor doesn't seem concerned about the bloating.
To complicate matters, I'm almost 47 years old and may be going through perimenopause.
Anyway, I'm glad to find this forum!