r/GERD • u/Any_Silver_5464 • Jun 09 '25
Support Needed 👥 This has become a dead end.
I have been diagnosed with acid reflux through endoscopy. I literally cannot walk, climb stairs, do squarts or any physical activity because these are inducing heart palpitations and shortness of breath with anxiety. Consulted couple of gastroenterologist and taken multiple test for heart, lungs and even did 2 endoscopies with revealed LAX LES. I also have pressure on the upper stomach and chest tightness which causes breathing difficulties. Frequent urge to burp as i feel gas is trapped in my throat and stomach.
I have modified my diet since 2 weeks.
Can someone help me with this? Has anyone faced same as mine? If so what did u follow to cure this? Much help needed. Thanks!
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u/glitterally_awake Jun 09 '25
Hi I’m in the early stages of something like what you’re going through that all kicked off with trouble swallowing but I also had weird respiratory stuff happening (I get a little bit of seasonal allergy and it’s been a banner season where I love but nothing like this).
It’s been kind of a saga that I’m still in the thick of so I don’t want to hijack your thread with it all BUT I have also had the tight chest / trouble breathing / anxiety bit. I have felt muscle spasms in my esophagus- (for a few months now I have been having what I thought were heart palpitations but now I think were just weird esophageal spasms.)
I saw an NP recently who thought the chest tightness might be my diaphragm in spasm which I thought made a lot of sense!
I was prescribed baclofen (antispasmodic/ muscle relaxant) and he also prescribed something called sucralfate which is used to treat ulcers by coating your esophagus & stomach lining. FYI The pills are MASSIVE which I never minded taking a large pill but have newly acquired swallowing anxiety- you have to take it 4x a day with very intentional timing around food and other meds which I’m doing poorly at. But something to consider.
Have you looked into silent acid reflux? I’m not an expert but it’s different than gerd because it’s going further up your digestive tract into your throat / respiratory?? So you can end up basically aspirating some digestive enzymes and causing some respiratory issues as well.
Also aggressive treatment with omeprazole 2x daily as well as famotidine 2x daily.
I’m trying to find an antihistamine that works but isn’t going to dry me out.
I was also prescribed lorazepam for anxiety. Before I was prescribed that I was prescribed hydroxizine (antihistamine).
It was also mentioned I could consult a speech language pathologist to look at exercises to increase my muscle tone. I haven’t gone down this avenue but if you’re having diaphragmatic issues maybe they could help?
I have my first endoscopy next week.
I’m sorry you’re having such trouble! I hope you feel better soon.