Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Do I have Acid Reflux or GERD after developing stomach flu?

This is the first question i've ever posted on a med site so bare with me! I often read through other people's  experiences to find anything to relate to, but everyone's symptoms are different.. so here we go!

A couple weeks ago my sister got stomach flu (Gastroenteritis) She got it pretty bad, and was vomiting a lot with diarrhea.. this lasted about 2 solid days. I tried my very best to not catch it, disinfecting and keeping a distance but I was looking after to her so I caught it airborne. I wasn't as ill as she got, however I did vomit once and it seem to be pure acid. I was in bed ridden after that just very weak and dizzy headachy etc. I felt very nauseous for about a week even though i slowly began to start eating it always felt as though something was stuck in my throat, and I'd experience a pain in my chest (I have never been a suffer or heartburn)

Now, i must add I had a major surgery a few years ago, and since then i have slowly developed issues with my digestive system and have IBS. I am gluten free, and i don't eat diary. I have been this way for a year now.. I exercise 5-6 times a week (thoroughly) and in the past 6 months i've lost 30 lbs from healthy eating (and wish to lose more) . I am 5'8 189lbs and about to turn 24 yrs old.

i am not sure if my IBS is related to this, but I have a sensitive stomach.. i stay away from fats and carbs. The only main irritant i can think of is Coffee.. I used to drink coffee ALOT! since experiencing these symptoms of acid reflux I have cut back, but not fully given up coffee. I do not eat chocolate. mint, or spicy foods, and have even tried to increase reflux friendly foods into my diet.

it has been about 3 weeks now since the stomach flu, and i am feeling very up and down with the symptoms I am getting. I go from not feeling ANYTHING after i eat..or even drink coffee no feeling of something stuck in my throat, no burps.. to suddenly I will get that. It's bizarre. Now i am going through what I would normally think was a "cold and sore throat" just something that will pass, but I am concerned it's related to acid reflux.. I have a sore throat, horse voice and running nose and feel hot, and generally run down and tired.. like you would with a cold!

sorry to go on and on but i am very confused! I Do not have health insurance right now, my mum is a retired doctor.. but living back in England it's not like she is here to actually examine me but from what i've told her she says it's acid reflux and damage from the stomach flu... I am willing to pay to go see a doctor,  but in the mean time she sent me over omeprazole to take, and it's been the 2nd day.

BASICALLY has anyone gone through this? suddenly just developed after having a stomach flu? It's honestly something i thought would be gone in a matter of a week but my mum said it can last months and take a while for the esophagus to heal? but i don't know.. i am sure most people will say go see a Doctor which i am not appose to i just want to know if anyone relates to my story!

thanks everyone! :)
12 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I've had the same problems. My chest and throat are burning. I've had acid reflux my whole life, but this is awful. I took some nexium and antacid chews, but they haven't helped yet. Gum seems to work.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
After checking another site, I found out that H Pylori virus left in the stomach can cause acid reflux and belching.  So I crushed a bit of raw garlic into a glass of water and drank it.  The acid reflux is now completely gone!  I am thrilled.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I also had a bad stomach virus 3 days ago. I was deathly ill, vomitting and feverish.  It only lasted 24 hours, but I am dealing with this ongoing trouble with gas (burping) and acid reflux.  I've never had IBS, acid reflux or any type of digestive issues.  I thought at first it was because of all the carbonated ginger ale that I was trying to keep down.  I've tried pro-biotics and home-made red cabbage with raw ginger.  Nothing is helping yet.  Maybe it's just going to take a little more time (I hope)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Glad to know I'm not the only one experiencing the same symptoms (minus the IBS)! Don't know if I'll figure out what's wrong though as I don't have a primary care physician...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am experiencing the same thing.  I had the stomach flu on Dec. 24 around 3 pm, had such intense chest pains by 10 pm that I went to the ER where they told me it was most likely reflux.  I've never had reflux before but it runs in the family.  Since then my chest still hurts and I'm tired and exhausted but feel like I have food stuck in my throat and chest.  I'm hopeful that it will get better soon.  Just wanted to let you know you are not alone!
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648

  Hi and welcome to the GERD forum.

The member you addressed your comment to is not a current member.....if you wish to chat with them, try sending a PM (private message) that will generate a e-mail letting them know someone is trying to make contact.....

OR you can create a NEW thread or post to a current one....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi GemStar - I know this has been 3 years now but i am going through the same symptoms you mentioned now..
I also had the "stomach flu" last week 1/2 and only vomited once ( progressively) immediately after i felt as if i have a lump in my throat when i swallow saliva with a bit of Pain.. which now the pain is gone but the **Globus** sensation is really bothering me.. I am now reading the post you made and I'm blaming Acid for it, i do not have any heart burn though..

Anyway, did all this pass for you ? after how many weeks ? months ?? and what medication did you take ? note i visited also an ENT which examined me and said that i had nothing wrong with my throat! but i know what i am feeling..
it's as if i have a mall marble stuck and cannot go down... ARGH!!!! frustration kick in so bad...

Looking forward for your reply.
Thank you
Helpful - 0
2120637 tn?1335999377
How are you feeling now?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I came down with this nasty stomach virus on April 5 and 3 weeks later I still am not able to eat the same foods I use to eat.  If I eat something other than lean chicken, vegetables, bananas, applesauce, and toast, I get nausceous and its an awful feeling.  The best thing is to go to the doctor.  I went to the doctor on April 20 and had a blood and urine test and those test came back normal.  Now just awaiting to have an ultrasound on my stomach and gallblader.  I hope I never experience this again.
Helpful - 0
2120637 tn?1335999377
How are you feeling at this point? I have never had any digestive or reflux issues but after a bout with GI Virus 3 weeks ago I am having reflux issues ever since. Nausea, belching, heartburn and gas :(
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal


yes this definitely helps. last night i slept with more pillows and it did help and as far as taking the omeprazole..so far it's been about 2 hours AFTER i ate so i guess that's good but from now i will take it on an empty stomach with the tums.

thanks so much for the advice and replying to me!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
IF it makes you feel any better , I have seen this bug leave people with these "after the fact" symptoms for up to three months. So now for the rest of your questions..

First, I agree with your mum that it is Acid reflux that is the culprit. So I am sure you are wondering how that can give you all of the other symptoms you listed.  Here is how: first the stomach flu fired up your IBS and the additional acid made it worse. This will cause weakness as the body is not able to absorb the nutrients needed leaving you weak (don't worry it will pass). Next the changes in how your throat feels are due to the irritation but also to esophageal spasms that change the throat sensations when you eat (many of the patients had these spasms as well).  Next comes the sore throat and hoarse voice which are caused by the acid burn. I think the nasal congestion a "leftover" of the virus as that is the part the many of our patients say takes the longest to resolve. As far as the omeprazole goes that will help.  Be sure to take it on an empty stomach as its effectiveness is decreased by as much as 70% if taken with food. In fact if you take a couple of Tums about five minutes before taking the omeprazole you will get the maximum effect/benefit.  Remember omeprazole requires daily use for at least a week before you see real benefit from it so stay with it. If you have the ability to raise your headboard a few inches higher, it will help keep the stomach acid from leaking up into your throat at night thereby promoting faster healing.  

I hope this helps.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the GERD (Acid Reflux) Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn which OTC medications can help relieve your digestive troubles.
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
Discover common causes of and remedies for heartburn.
This common yet mysterious bowel condition plagues millions of Americans
Don't get burned again. Banish nighttime heartburn with these quick tips
Get answers to your top questions about this pervasive digestive problem