Constant acid reflux

[Mollylolly]

I'm suffering badly from reflux for 7 months im on esomeprazole 40mg but inly helps a bit . I take gaviscon at night also I sleep elevated but still manage to wake up with sore throat and itchy ears . I also sometimes get a feeling that I need to cough but don't if that makes sense. Im seeing gastro doc next week privately as I keep getting my appointment put back on nhs. Im miserable. I eat non acidic diet no sugar no dairy no gluten and still suffer and I only drink alkaline water. Anyone else this bad?

Are you sure you are suffering from acid reflux and esomeprazole is the right treatment for you. As far as I am aware most GP prescribe ppi for a month and if it doesn't work they switch you on a different ppi. That is one route but of course that approach is only correct if indeed you are suffering from gerd for which ppi is prescribed.
Some people suffer from bile reflux and although the symptoms are same you do not see any or little change even after taking ppi. Ppi reduces stomach acid while bile reflux is caused by problem in your gallbladder. Do you get random pains in your right shoulder, or a headache on your right side, night sweats then probably it is your gallbladder.
If you are seeing a gastroenterologist then they will check for both, you can always discuss it yourself.

Hi I have appointment for gastro doc next week so I'm going to ask what he thinks and tell him I want endoscopy. My anxiety is really getting me down as I keep thinking i have something awful.

Anyone else get this constantly. Its just chronic really makes me so anxious.

We're you not able to get through the appointment? Chronic gerd is quite common , my mum suffers from it. Recently I have had similar issues and I suffered from gerd from Feb 2020 possibly because of perimenopause. In the end what got me through was omeprazole 20 mg in the morning for a month and gaviscon liquid at night. Omeprazole was prescribed by GP and I took gaviscon on my own as my gerd was worst at night. I stopped omeprazole after a month. I still get reflux every now and then but I only need to take gaviscon now and I take it as soon I start getting the symptoms.
For me gaviscon tablets were useless and liquid worked better even if both had similar ingredients. Also a tight bra band can worsen the symptoms of gerd so may be look into that as well.
Hope you feel alright soon. Gerd can really ruin every day life.

Any updates on how you are getting on @Mollylolly? Did you see the gastro?

I have along history of chronic gastritis but have been always able to manage my flare ups.
However since last year, I also started getting acid reflux as well in my throat which comes abs goes. I'm also so worried about it and want to ask my gastro for an endoscopy but so scared at the same time...

Hi lul37

Im still waiting on the endoscopy appointment because of covid everything is taking ages and the worry over it im sure is making it worse. I completely sympathise with you I know how awful it is. Im still miserable with it its constant.

I'm waiting as well but I'm abroad and my gastro doesn't see the need for urgent referral for an endoscopy despite my history of chronic gastritis. I begged her to send my for an endoscopy but no joy... hopefully you can get to do it as some point and have peace of mind. I'm also on the same medication as you but I have good and bad days with my throat and stomach. Days before and during my period being the bad days...

Hi lul37

I'm the same some days are more bearable than others . I too find that the reflux is worse before and during my period and when im stressed which just now is all the time because of these issues. Its a vicious circle. I hope you get sorted soon . I need the endoscopy but at the same time terrified of getting it but I need to know what's causing this.

Ask him about LPR silent reflux.Not helped by ppi’s .

Hi Mollylolly,
I have just searched as I too have stomach acid related to anxiety, I think. Hope things are a bit better for you and they managed to sort you out by now? My symptoms are worse at night and also my lower back and hip, an old problem seem to be playing up as well. BP is up at times but not sure if this is the anxiety of it all. It's no fun having previously been in fairly decent health! Wine seems to be a culprit and spicy. Am trying all things diet wise but seems to creep back in. I am clinging to it just being a flare up after a recent load more stress than usual but time is passing and not abating. Just wondered if you had got anywhere, fingers crossed and could offer any tips?
All the best x

Sometimes constant reflux is a symptom of Hiatus Hernia, and while omeprazole is usually the first PPI prescribed it can be ineffective in treating the symptoms. I think you'll find out more via the endoscopy, and if I were you I'd ask to try a different PPI.

Yes I have a hiatus hernia 2cm. My symptoms are constant 24/7 no help at all from gastro Docs. My diet is low acid very bland no dairy gluten or sugar . I'm in permanent misery. 2 years of this .