Severe Throat Reflux Dilemmas at 21 Years Old
Beginning in the mid-year of 2022, I encountered issues with acid reflux. Initially, it was mild, manifesting only as a sensation of a lump in my throat. However, as time progressed, the discomfort intensified, leading to a persistent burning sensation at the rear of my throat. Over-the-counter remedies like Tums and Gaviscon have proven ineffective. I was prescribed 80 mg of Mylan-pantoprazole, which hardly made a difference, prompting me to switch to 40 mg of Rabeprazole sodium—yet, this too has provided zero relief. The only factor I can associate with the worsening of my symptoms is my Adderall intake for ADHD, which seems to exacerbate the situation. However, discontinuing it is not an option, as without it, I struggle significantly with maintaining focus. My diet appears to be appropriate, but my primary care physician has referred me to a specialist who merely prescribed the Mylan-pantoprazole, and waiting for an appointment could take three to six months in Canada. I feel uncertain about what the next steps should be; should I continue switching between various reflux medications? Unlike typical heartburn, my symptoms are more akin to a burning sensation in the throat, which remains constant but tends to worsen as the day progresses and somewhat alleviates upon waking. This ongoing discomfort is disrupting my life, and I fear possible damage to my esophagus, yet I find myself in the dark regarding how to proceed. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 10:20:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand your concerns about persistent throat discomfort related to acid reflux, particularly since conventional treatments haven't provided relief. It's commendable that you're seeking solutions, especially since this condition affects your daily life. Let's break this down and outline actionable steps you can take while awaiting your specialist appointment.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms indicate a likely case of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), which can manifest as discomfort in the throat.
- Identifying triggers and adjusting lifestyle choices may improve your symptoms.
- There are alternative self-care strategies to consider in the interim.
Explanation:
Laryngopharyngeal reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the throat and voice box, causing irritation and a burning sensation. The fact that your symptoms worsen throughout the day suggests that dietary and lifestyle factors might be contributing.
Given your experience with medications like pantoprazole and rabeprazole, it's possible that your symptoms may not fully improve with these alone, especially if Adderall may be impacting your stomach or gastrointestinal tract.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Food and Symptom Diary: Track what you eat, your symptoms, and any medications or activities that may worsen your discomfort. This can help identify specific triggers.
-
Adjust Your Diet:
- Avoid common triggers such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, and carbonated beverages.
- Focus on smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones, which can help reduce pressure on the stomach.
-
Modify Eating Habits:
- Do not lie down immediately after eating. Wait at least three hours before lying down or going to bed.
- Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to help prevent nighttime symptoms.
-
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as this can help dilute stomach acid.
-
Consider Timing with Medications: If you notice a correlation between your Adderall intake and worsening symptoms, discuss with your prescriber if there are alternative ADHD medications or adjustments that could reduce gastrointestinal side effects without compromising your focus.
-
Explore Additional Avenues: In the meantime, lifestyle changes have proven effective for many. Pay attention to your body’s responses to these modifications.
If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, continue to document these changes to share with your specialist when you have your appointment. The goal is to enhance your comfort and minimize any potential damage while exploring effective solutions. Remember, you're not alone in this, and mitigating discomfort is a positive pursuit.
Related Questions
Is Constipation Possible Without Symptoms?
For me, experiencing a lack of bowel movements for a span of 8 to 10 days on a monthly basis is quite common, and I suspect it is linked to my premenstrual syndrome, as it consistently occurs during the same week every month. However, I find myself questioning whether this situation qualifies as constipation, mainly because I do not exhibit any classic signs. There is no pain, no discomfort, and no bloating; I genuinely feel as though there is no urgent need to relieve myself. I am 24 years old.
Braved the Cold Without Gloves at -20
19-year-old from Toronto here. After being outside in frigid temperatures, I've returned home feeling quite cold. My right hand is experiencing numbness and tingling in the fingertips. What steps should I take? It's been around 7 to 8 hours since I was outdoors.
Managing Early Appendicitis: Antibiotics vs. Surgery
I’m a 21-year-old who recently had a CT scan revealing mild inflammation in my appendix and lymph nodes. My doctor informed me that surgery might not be necessary if the antibiotics effectively alleviate my discomfort by tomorrow. However, I can’t shake my fears about a potential recurrence of the inflammation. The thought of going through a post-surgery recovery terrifies me, so I really want to steer clear of that option. Has anyone opted for antibiotics rather than surgical intervention? What was your experience like?
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!