KitKat880

I'm new here, so I'm sorry if I'm posting about something that has already been brought up on these boards. A few months ago I developed a lump in my throat that wouldn't go away. This came right after a cold, so I thought it was post nasal drip. Oh, how wrong I must have been. A few weeks after the lump developed, I started feeling pressure in my abdomen and had to force myself to burp. This went on for a few days, so I took myself to my PCP. She said it's probably just a little reflux and told me to take Prilosec OTC.

Flash forward a month and a half. I am now on Nexium (40 mg) after taking Prilosec OTC every day with no relief. (I also found out I have a small hiatal hernia, but the radiologist that did the barium swallow didn't actually tell me how big it is.) So much for just a little acid reflux. The Nexium doesn't seem to be helping much either, but it's only day four. I still have this awful pressure in my stomach. Doesn't matter what I eat. And I'm burping after everything, including water.

I've done a ton of research on this subject and read a book (written by an MD) about low stomach acid actually causing this problem. The theory goes something like this: Stress or viral infection (both of which I was experiencing before all of these symptoms) cause the body to go into fight or flight mode, and digestion isn't a top priority. The stomach slows down or stops its production of acid and fills up, pushing food and what little acid is there back up into the esophagus. Hence, acid reflux. The solution: take HCL supplements.

I am way too chicken to stop the Nexium at this point. Anyone had success with HCL or think this theory is in any way credible? I've talked to an alternative medicine practitioner and he seems to think this is likely, even though I am only 25.

Thoughts, anyone?


My symptoms:
-lump in throat
-difficulty swallowing liquids
-upper abdominal pressure
-burping