Chronic Food Sensation in Throat/Chest, Worsening GERD and Anxiety – Seeking Assistance
Hello, everyone! I'm Phillip, and I’m reaching out for help as I’ve been enduring a challenging condition that’s increasingly affecting my life over the last several years. I’m 28 years old, stand 6 feet tall, and weigh 280 pounds. My background includes both Mexican and Caucasian heritage. For approximately five years, my struggle has grown increasingly intense, particularly over the past year. Living in the United States, I have had a diagnosis of GERD, and more recently, I was informed that I have fatty liver. Additionally, I experience severe anxiety and panic attacks. My current regimen includes omeprazole at a dosage of 40mg daily and sucralfate 1g taken four times a day. I tried using Protonix previously, but I had to discontinue it as it exacerbated my anxiety symptoms. It's worth noting that I've been smoke-free for a year now, and I recently stopped drinking alcohol altogether. I used to have drinks a couple of times each month but decided to quit to prioritize my health given my recent diagnosis. For the past five years, eating has become increasingly problematic for me. Almost every meal results in the distressing feeling of food being lodged in my throat or chest, accompanied by a suffocating lump sensation that can be utterly terrifying. There are instances where the food comes back up, leading to severe panic attacks that make me feel as though I might suffocate or experience a heart attack. This persistent discomfort, characterized by a tight chest and occasional burning sensations, has taken a toll on my mental well-being. My GERD has impeded my quality of life; I've lost a significant degree of self-confidence and find it challenging to navigate daily activities like I once could. The continuous cycle of panic leaves me feeling unsafe and overwhelmed. With this situation at the forefront of my mind, I’m reaching out to understand whether the persistent sensations signify something beyond GERD, such as eosinophilic esophagitis, a hiatal hernia, esophageal spasms, or even an issue with motility. Do you think I should request further evaluation via endoscopy, a barium swallow test, or esophageal manometry? I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice from anyone who may have journeyed through similar experiences. Thank you for your time, and I truly hope to connect with others who can relate to my situation. I feel rather alone in this ordeal and yearn for clarity and relief. Despite numerous medical consultations, nothing seems to provide a resolution.
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 8:20:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experiences, Phillip. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed given the complexity of your situation, especially with the combination of GERD, anxiety, and the physical symptoms you’re describing. Let’s break this down and focus on practical steps you can take to address your concerns.
Main Points:
- The sensations you are experiencing could be related to GERD and anxiety but may also warrant further evaluation to rule out other conditions.
- Managing anxiety and improving your GERD symptoms are crucial components of your care.
- Consider discussing specific tests with a healthcare provider to get to the bottom of the sensations in your throat and chest.
Explanation:
The feeling of food being lodged in your throat or chest along with anxiety can be very distressing. GERD often causes similar sensations, including a tight chest and burning feelings due to acid reaching the esophagus. However, given the duration and worsening of your symptoms, it’s wise to consider that other underlying conditions, such as esophageal motility disorders or eosinophilic esophagitis, could be contributing factors. These can lead to similar symptoms of obstruction and discomfort when swallowing.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track the specific foods that trigger your symptoms, the times of day you experience discomfort, and any accompanying feelings of anxiety. This information can help your healthcare provider make a more accurate diagnosis.
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Discuss Testing Options: Request a consultation with a gastroenterologist to discuss your symptoms further. Ask about the potential need for:
- Endoscopy: This can help visualize your esophagus and check for inflammation or other abnormalities.
- Barium Swallow Test: This imaging test can identify issues with swallowing.
- Esophageal Manometry: This test measures the rhythm and muscle contractions in your esophagus.
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Focus on Lifestyle Adjustments: Continue prioritizing your health by:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding trigger foods (e.g., spicy, fatty, or acidic foods).
- Staying upright for at least two to three hours after eating to assist with digestion.
- Exploring relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or yoga, which may help manage anxiety.
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Engage in Support: Since you mentioned feelings of isolation, consider reaching out to support groups for individuals with GERD or anxiety. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can be very reassuring.
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Communicate Symptoms to Your Provider: Make sure to convey any new developments in your symptoms to your healthcare provider, especially if you experience worsening symptoms or new concerns like weight loss or difficulty swallowing.
You’re taking important steps to manage your health by seeking out information and help. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but remember, you are not alone in this, and many people experience similar challenges. Let me know if you have more questions or need further guidance!
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