I get very bad anxiety, but I have noticed when I get heart burn or the acid reflux I get anxiety especially at night. I was on a prescription medication but I started getting RLS so I just started eating tums instead. I have anxiety pretty much most of the day but I get it bad at night as soon as I lay down.
It does sound like the acid reflux is putting your anxiety into high gear creating fear that then causes a panic attack. Medications for GERD (acid reflux) sometimes don't work or you need to use a different one. Avoid spicy, acidic foods and elevate the upper part of your body at night. Lying down allows the stomach acid to back up in your throat and by elevating your bed or body using pillows, they acid will stay down. Call your doctor and let him know the medication for you acid reflux isn't working, there are others he can prescribe. But he should refer you to a Gastroenterologist to make sure it's acid reflux and not just assume that it is. It doesn't sound like a heart problem but something with your stomach. The acid can erode your esophagus so you want to make sure this is controlled. Acid reflux can cause burning, belching, a sour taste in your mouth, or make you feel like you're choking.....which you're not. Hopefully getting this under control will ease your anxiety because fear just fuels it making it worse, it's a vicious cycle. See a GI doc and go from there. Best wishes.
Thankyou so much for posting back... I have been a little better. I stopped taking the prescribed med for the reflux and went back to tums. Saterday was great!! My husband was home and I had human contact..lol So I slept like a baby and had no anxiety. Last night was good to, I felt so much peace. Today so far has been good, I'm a little nervious for what tonight might bring, because this morning was sooo stressful, my thirteen year old is really actting out. But I do have a question, why is it happening now? I don;t think I have had this problem before with the reflux. Not unless I did and thought it was anxiety.
Thankyou,
Kaie