some advice - Acid Reflux / GERD Message Board

ltad · 12-05-2006, 03:35 AM

First of all what exactly is acid reflux??

iam wondering whether I have this?? I was told I had asthma about 11-12 yrs ago, never had any proper tests done on me tho for this, but if i exercise I have difficulty breathing and very rarely do I wheeze tho, thing is ive been suffering from panic attacks for the past 2yrs (work/money related) which are getting better now, but ive always found that if i get bloated or have trapped wind in my chest i find it hard to breathe like i cant get a full lung of air, which I dont really think is my asthma, once in a while I get a burning sensation in my chest, feels like its the entrance to my lungs, this can last for up to a month then go, making the entrance to my lungs sore.. also sometimes i feel like i cant breathe before i eat, then once i start eating it goes.. ive also never been able to burp lol, instead i get alot of trapped wind in my chest that tries to come up making a funny noise lol but just seems to be "burping" in my chest.

I dont really get a "acid stomach" feeling or taste acid in my throat, so iam not sure, I know the breathing is not always down to my asthma.. just wanted some opinions really..

Thanks

Je23 · 12-05-2006, 02:22 PM

There is a muscle flap called a lower-esophogeal sphincter located at the end of your esophagus where the entrance of your stomach is. The sphincter's job is to prevent acid and other stomach contents from backflowing into your esophagus. In people with reflux, this sphincter does not work the way it is supposed to and is either too loose or doesn't close all the way, or something like that. Thus the recurrent burning sensations and other symptoms which arise when acid and partially-digested food is constantly being allowed to come back up the throat.

You should really go see a doctor. I'm not sure if what you have is reflux, some of what you're describing sounds like something completely different, although I could be wrong. When in doubt, ask a professional!

oldman21 · 12-05-2006, 09:48 PM

You could also have low stomach acid. It is almost exactly the same symptoms except its much easier to fix. You can test it by taking a shot or 2 of lemon juice anytime you have heartburn, if it feels better in 8 minutes, then you have low acid. If it stings more, then take a rolaids and it will temporarily cure it. Doctors don't like to diagnose low stomach acid, but it is VERY VERY Common. Especially if it occurs after big or fatty meals.

Most people don’t have too much stomach acid as you would think from watching the pharmaceutical commercials on TV. By taking antacids, you will have less stomach acid being secreted setting you up for infection and malabsorption.