On June 2008 I was hospitalized and diagnosed with GERD grade B (through endoscopy), and still on minimum medication until now (lanzoprazole 30 mg once daily).
Lately I breathed short and heavily, I even found myself awaken one night long because of this breathing problem. My doctor gave me an antacid and said that I had a reflux.
Sometimes there is this pain in my left chest which come and go. Also I have another pain on my lower right abdominal, inside the ribs. Would someone assist me and explain what would that be and why?

Posted by: Maria/MD Health Forum.Com Team

GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a condition characterized by the reverse flow of gastric acid or bile from the stomach into the esophagus. Normally, when we swallow, the valve at the bottom part of the esophagus relaxes to allow food and liquid to go into the stomach. Then it will close again to prevent the back flow of stomach contents in the esophagus. However, if this valve relaxes abnormally or its muscles weaken, acid can flow back into your esophagus. One of the symptoms of GERD is heart burn, this is experienced as burning sensation in the chest and can spread to the throat. The acid back-up is worse when lying down or bending over. Another common complaint of GERD patients, is chest pain which is usually experienced at night time. Respiratory symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath may be experienced. In order to rule out heart and lung diseases, health history taking, physical exam and diagnostic tests will be carried out to rule out heart and lung diseases.

Pain under the rib cage also occurs in GERD, however, conditions affecting the gall bladder also have the same manifestation along with chest pain, nausea and vomiting. If your doctor is not yet aware of your right-sided abdominal pain, then you talk to him or her to find out whether you need to undergo some tests to rule out gall bladder problems.

Aside from medications, lifestyle changes may be recommended for GERD patients. Elevation of the head of the bed, avoiding certain food items that are known to trigger reflux, eating smaller meals and staying away from alcohol and cigarettes may be advised for managing GERD. In some cases, surgical intervention may be considered. Your doctor will inform you of the measures that would best benefit your condition.
If left untreated, GERD can lead to complications such as ulcer, narrowing of the esophagus and Barrett’s esophagus-a condition associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

This blog entry is for your general information only. I recommend that you discuss your symptoms with your own doctor.

Reference:
http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=13315&nbr=6759&ss=6&xl=999

Tags: abdominal pain, acid, Barretts esophagus, chest pain, gall bladder, GERD, nausea, stomach, ulcer, vomitins