GERD Related Symptoms?

[MH2056]

Hello. 35 yr old, physically fit male. Was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia almost two years ago via an endoscopy. GI considered it congenital because it wasn't that severe, but I actually believe the hernia formed while sitting at work. I took Nexium for a few weeks, then switched to Protonix after my insurer stopped paying for the drug. I took the medications in total for three months. I have a couple drug related and symptom related questions:

Drugs

1. I've read where PPI drugs may actually turn off the acid pumps permanently, even after drug use stops. Is this true?
2. I've read where low acid actually can cause GERD symptoms, just as high acid? If true, this suggests using the PPIs might actually cause acid reflux symptoms.

Symptoms

For the most part, I don't have any symptoms of heart burn or indigestion. I do have the sour morning taste, and sometimes my voice is hoarse. However, I have these other symptoms that started approximately when my hiatal hernia formed. I was wondering if you have encountered these in your practice or research when it comes to a hiatal hernia or GERD:

1. Onset of chronic constipation
2. Back and neck muscle tension
3. Feelings of loss of balance
4. Feelings of fullness in ears
5. Brain fog (cloudiness)

The last symptom has been troubling, as I actually feel like I've been drinking alcohol when it occurs. Sometimes onset is right after I eat, and many of the above symptoms (including brain fog) are alleviated after I have a bowel movement. I've read where brain fog is a common symptom of Leaky Gut Syndrome. Not sure if that can be related to hiatal hernias.

As a layperson, I view having a hiatal hernia as having a sewer system that backs up. Clearly, noxious elements like acid or other intestinal waste can have a systemic impact with a wide array of symptoms. Just wondering if you've encountered any of my atypical symptoms in relation to GERD or hiatal hernias.

Thanks for reading.

[bigkev414]

I have had hiatus hernia and duodenitis etc for years. I also get the feelings of loss of balance, fullness in ears and difficulty in concentrating when it happens. Feels like I have had too many drinks. Comes and goes and I have had a number of tests over years and years with no conclusive result. I have chronic inflammatory sinus disease which affects my ear 'fullness feelings' but the specialist said the 'drunk' feelings are not related. Very sorry, but am more frustrated than you are because I hace had to live with this for years.The doctors also tell me that the hiatus hernis is not connected to the heart arrythmia (SVT) that I have developed over the past few years following large doses of Sudafed for sinusitis. PIGS MIGHT FLY!! I know there is a connection.
good luck. Do your own research; the doctors have tunnel vision.

[Ratnakar Kini]

Hi  Shazaam72,
Hiatus hernia is a condition in which part of the stomach slips in to the chest cavity. Most of the patients with hiatus hernia will be asymptomatic.

GERD is a condition in which the contents of the stomach goes up in to the esophagus ( food pipe). It could be acid reflux when the acidic contents of the stomach goes up or bile reflux when the small intestinal contents go up. Bile reflux is the low acid reflux you have mentioned.So it is a type of GERD and is not due to stomach acid getting suppressed but due to bile going up in to the esophagus.

Hiatus does not cause GERD by itself but these two conditions may co-exist.

PPI suppresses the acid production almost completely. But the effects last only as long as the drug is taken and it is not a permanent one.

GERD produces some extra GI symptoms in severe cases like hoarseness of voice, sore throat, cough etc.

The five symptoms you have mentioned are not related directly to GERD.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.
- Ratnakar Kini M.D.