Seeking Advice from Gastroenterologists
I am a 35-year-old woman who has been dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a hiatal hernia for more than a decade. My most recent endoscopy took place in September of last year. Recently, I have been experiencing a sensation as if something is lodged in the middle of my chest, just below my collarbone. This discomfort often comes with an unsettling feeling of breathlessness. Interestingly, these symptoms tend to subside when I eat or lie down. Does anyone have insights into what might be causing this? Additionally, I’m currently on a daily regimen of 40 mg of omeprazole.
Answers (1)
7/16/2025, 2:40:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some distressing symptoms related to your long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia. Feeling like something is lodged in your chest, especially paired with breathlessness, can be concerning. These sensations may be linked to underlying issues related to GERD, esophageal motility, or even irritation in the esophagus.
Explanation
The sensation of having something lodged in your throat or chest often referred to as "globus sensation," can occur due to reflux of stomach acid causing irritation in the esophagus, inflammation, or muscle contractions that fail to work properly (motility issues). The relief you feel when eating or lying down could be due to food temporarily sitting in the stomach and reducing acid irritation or changing the pressure dynamics caused by the hiatal hernia.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary for at least a week, noting when the sensations occur, their frequency, and any accompanying symptoms (like chest pain, heartburn, or swallowing difficulty). This will help identify triggers.
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Lifestyle Modifications:
- Dietary Choices: Limit spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate, and acidic foods (like tomatoes and citrus), as they may worsen symptoms. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may also help reduce discomfort.
- Timing of Meals: Avoid eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime to minimize nighttime symptoms.
- Posture: After meals, try to stay upright for a couple of hours, and consider elevating the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to prevent nighttime reflux.
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Medication Review: Since you are currently taking omeprazole, it’s important to assess its effectiveness. If symptoms persist despite medication, consider discussing with a healthcare provider the potential need for dosage adjustment, switching medications, or exploring treatment alternatives.
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Stay Hydrated and Relaxed: Drinking water can help with swallowing discomfort, and practicing stress-reduction techniques (like deep breathing or mindfulness) may alleviate tension that can exacerbate symptoms.
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Be Aware of Warning Symptoms: If you experience increased severity in breathlessness, chest pain, or any symptoms like difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, or severe reflux, these warrant immediate attention.
By tracking your symptoms and making some dietary adjustments, you may find improvement in your day-to-day comfort. If symptoms continue or worsen, it would be essential to follow up with a gastroenterologist for a thorough evaluation. Let me know if you have more questions or need further guidance!
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