Lifetime of Reflux Challenges
I am an 18-year-old female, weighing approximately 84 kg (around 186 pounds), who has dealt with reflux issues since birth. For the past few years, I've been taking pantoprazole to prevent stomach acid from rising, but unfortunately, I still experience regurgitation quite frequently. No matter what I consume, I end up bringing it back up multiple times throughout the day. Although I can manage to swallow it back down, it happens frequently—hundreds of times daily—and it can even occur hours after my meal or drink. Occasionally, I also burp up air, but that isn't a consistent issue. In addition to this, I am prescribed aripiprazole and topiramate due to my diagnosis of autism and ADHD. I've been living with diabetes since I was eight years old. I've sought medical help regarding my reflux several times; however, my parents recall that when I was a baby, doctors often dismissed it, stating that it was common in infants and that most kids would outgrow it. Now at 18, I have been told that I'm too young for any testing beyond the standard tests for stomach bacteria, which came back normal. I am reaching out to see if anyone might have suggestions or insights into what could be causing my persistent reflux. Any ideas to discuss with my doctor would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 10:31:02 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel frustrated with persistent reflux issues, especially after dealing with them for so long. Managing frequent regurgitation at your age can be challenging, and it’s great that you are seeking insights to improve your situation.
Main Points:
- Persistent regurgitation may have multiple underlying causes.
- It's important to consider lifestyle modifications alongside your current medications.
- Discussing specific tests and dietary changes could be helpful.
Explanation:
Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can occur for various reasons, and the fact that you've been dealing with it since childhood suggests that it might be more than just a common issue. While pantoprazole helps reduce stomach acid, regurgitation might still occur due to factors like inappropriate functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle that keeps stomach contents from moving back up), dietary triggers, or even lifestyle factors.
Your current medications (aripiprazole and topiramate) might also have side effects that impact digestion, though it’s less common. Additionally, diabetes can affect your gastrointestinal motility and contribute to discomfort and reflux.
Next Steps:
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Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary for a week or two, noting what you eat, how you feel, and when the regurgitation occurs. This can help identify any dietary triggers or patterns.
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Explore Dietary Modifications: Consider trying a modified diet that includes:
- Avoiding trigger foods: Common culprits include spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and fatty foods.
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals: This may help reduce the pressure on your stomach and lower the chance of regurgitation.
- Remaining upright after meals: Try to stay upright for at least 2-3 hours after eating to allow for better digestion.
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Discuss Additional Testing: When you communicate with your doctor, consider suggesting specific tests like:
- Esophageal pH monitoring: This can measure acid levels and help assess the severity of reflux.
- Esophageal motility studies: These tests evaluate how well your esophagus is working and can identify any movement issues.
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Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Weight management: Since weight can affect reflux, discussing with a healthcare provider a healthy approach to weight management may benefit your overall health and reflux issues.
- Sleep position: Elevating the head of your bed can help reduce nighttime symptoms.
Be sure to discuss these strategies and any concerns with your doctor—they can provide tailored advice while guiding you through managing your reflux. You're not alone in this, and with the right steps, there may be significant improvement. If you need further support or insights, feel free to reach out!
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