Trouble swallowing with GERD

[Nenah77]

Hi, i have acid reflux and a small hiatus hernia. I'm on Zoton fastabs since Jan. My symptom is trouble swallowing, things are a little better since taking the PPI'S but i still have a lot of trouble swallowing liquids. My question is how is the acid reflux and the hiatus hernia causing my swallowing problems? I have looked online but can't find an exact cause.

[Flycaster305]

There is a test I had to take prior to a surgery to check my ability to swallow, but I can't think of the name of the test.  Trouble swallowing needs to be checked out, it can be a serious problem  

[Nenah77]

Hi  Flycaster305  
I have cut out tea, coffee and all carbonated drinks. I only drink water and it has to be ice cold for me to be able to swallow it which i think is strange, does anybody know why this is?
I might change my meds as Selma said. Thanks Flycaster305, i'll keep ye informed!

[Flycaster305]

What liquids are difficult to swallow?  Carbonated liquids are difficult if you have a poorly functioning valve at the base of the esophagus.  As  Selma suggests, it's a difficult  problem to sort out.  Selma suggests to raise the head of your bed about six inches, don't eat at least three hours before bedtime.  My mantra is to take PPI's between 1/2 hour and 1 hour before meals.  I'd further suggest you drink no beer or carbonated liquids of any kind, period.  See what happens, see what works and what doesn't work.  Keep us informed.

[selmaS]

  Hi...well not all meds work for all people...I used to take PPI's on and off for yrs and the last time I needed them they no longer helped...so now if I need meds I take a H2 inhibator...like Pepcid or Zantac....

Talk to ur Dr about the possibility of changing ur meds.

Do u watch ur diet as well avoid the trigger foods? Adjust ur lifestyle, do not lie down for 3 to 4 hrs after eating, eat  several smaller meals instead of 3 larger ones...

See the Health Pages for more tips-http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/list?cid=236

    "selma"

[Nenah77]

Thanks for your reply Selma, I think i might have Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, i never get heartburn, i just have swallowing problems, lump in the throat sensation, feeling of phlegm stuck in my throat and excessive saliva at night. I just think that it's strange that the PPI'S haven't helped my swallowing issue with liquids, i mean i'm only 33 and it gets me down to think that i will never be able to drink liquids properly again. I mean i actually get jealous when i see people grabbing a drink from a fridge or walking down the street drinking. I just think that more research needs to be done for people like us, PPI'S just don't seem to cut it.  

[selmaS]

  Hi...there r several types of reflux with diff symptoms..one known as silent reflux since u don't get the typical heartburn with it does have swallowing issues as a symptom.

When acids r able to move up into ur throat they can affect ur voice, and those that get to ur mouth can affect the enamel on ur teeth.

Here is a link to the Health Pages with symptoms list...see if it fits for u, and see there r possibilities this can happen.http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Gastroenterology/Symptoms-of-Laryngopharyngeal-Reflux-are/show/779?cid=236

  "selma"