Just an update...had the upper endoscopy today which did show irritation to my esophagus. The doctor took a biopsy and I'm supposed to go back to him next week. I've been following a GERD diet for awhile and I hardly ever eat any fried foods. Also don't drink alcohol, carbonated beverages, or have anything with caffeine. I just don't understand why I keep having these problems when I'm trying everything to prevent it. I'm watching my diet carefully and trying to lose about 10-15 pound which will put me in the normal weight range.
Thanks for your response. I've been drinking lots of fluids so I don't really think the bp issue is related to dehydration. Actually going to a general surgeon for the endoscopy as it takes forever to get an appointment with gastro doc in my area. Should have mentioned that I've been taking 30 mg of Prevacid once a day and 2 teaspoons of Carafate 4 times per day. This doesn't seem to be helping at all. There is a spot in the upper part of my chest that has been slightly burning and aching. About an hour after eating breakfast yesterday my chest started aching and did so for much or the day. The chest discomfort is the symptom that is bothering me most currently. Could this be from acid irritating my esophagus?
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
In all probability it is the other way around. The gastric reflux bringing acid with it is causing redness and issues with your throat. Taking care of this will take care of the throat issues too. Treatment is a combination of drugs to reduce the acid and lifestyle changes. You will need to take a combination of medications like a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole, lansoprazole or pantoprazole empty stomach in the morning and an antacid gel after meals for complete relief. Possibility of H pylori infection too should be looked into and a combination antibiotic tried.
Life style changes that will help include: Avoid heavy meals and eat frequent small meals. Avoid too much of caffeine, tea, smoking, fried food and drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic fuzzy ones. Avoid heavy exercises within 4 hours of a heavy meal. Raise the head end of the bed by pillows to 30 degrees. Go to bed at least 2 hours after food. Maybe these tips will help you.
I would strongly recommend you to see a gastroenterologist (you are probably seeing one for endoscopy).
The low BP could be due to dehydration. Drink fluids like lemonade, soups, herbal tea etc and see if it helps.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!