Symptoms of Heartburn and Coughing
I am a 28-year-old female, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 240 pounds. I hold a diagnosis of anxiety and have been on 40 mg of fluoxetine for the last three months. Recently, I've been experiencing a burning feeling in my chest, akin to heartburn, which intensifies when I lie down. Each time I attempt to take a deep breath, I often feel an urge to gag, and occasionally this gag reflex triggers unexpectedly. Engaging in any cardiovascular activity sometimes exacerbates the issue. About three years ago, following the onset of my heartburn, I underwent a stress test, an EKG, and I wore a heart monitor; all results indicated no issues. My recent lab work yielded normal results, and an emergency room visit due to anxiety symptoms also showed no abnormalities. They performed a chest X-ray, D-dimer test, EKG, and a CT scan, all of which came back clear.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 2:40:27 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing persistent symptoms that align with heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), especially since they worsen when you lie down and after physical activity. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and sometimes linked with anxiety, but there are steps you can take to manage them effectively.
Clarification of Symptoms
- Burning sensation in the chest: This is commonly associated with heartburn, where acid from the stomach irritates the esophagus.
- Gag reflex and difficulty with deep breaths: This may be related to the irritation in your throat or esophagus, possibly from acid reflux. Anxiety may also contribute to these sensations.
Next Steps for Management
-
Adjust Eating Habits:
- Smaller meals: Try eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day to ease the pressure on your stomach.
- Avoid trigger foods: Common triggers include spicy, fatty, or fried foods, citrus, caffeine, and chocolate. Keep track of what exacerbates your symptoms.
-
Modify Your Lifestyle:
- Elevate your head while sleeping: Use a wedge pillow to keep your head and upper body elevated, which can help prevent acid from rising while you sleep.
- Avoid lying down after meals: Wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.
-
Manage Stress and Anxiety:
- Breathing exercises: Practice deep breathing or guided relaxation techniques, as anxiety can exacerbate both heartburn and the gag reflex.
- Regular physical activity: Engage in gentle activities like walking, which can aid digestion while managing anxiety without triggering your symptoms too severely.
-
Consider Over-the-Counter Remedies:
- Antacids or H2 blockers: If you haven't already tried them, antacids like Tums or H2 blockers like ranitidine can help reduce stomach acid. Always follow the package instructions.
If your symptoms show no improvement after implementing these strategies in a week or worsen significantly (e.g., new symptoms like severe chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or vomiting), you may want to revisit your healthcare provider for further evaluation or adjustments to your treatment plan. This could include discussing prescription medications or referrals for specialized care.
Please remember to monitor how these changes affect your symptoms over the coming days. If you need further support or ideas, I'm here to help!
Related Questions
Concerns About MRI Results in Context of Neuro Symptoms (Non-Epileptic Seizures)
Hello everyone, I'm a 25-year-old individual, assigned female at birth, standing at 5'4" and weighing 190 pounds. I have a complex medical history and a variety of medications that I manage. **My Diagnoses Include:** - Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (hyperadrenergic type) - Occipital and Hemiplegic Migraines - Sciatica - Multiple disc herniations (notably in the cervical region and a recent one at L4, just above where I had emergency surgery in August due to suspected cauda equina syndrome) - Scoliosis - Hip impingement/Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI) - Neurogenic bladder resulting from spinal nerve injury (cauda equina) - Osteoarthritis in the hip - Limb weakness and sensory loss - Degenerative disc disease - Sudden onset of non-epileptic seizures **My Medications Include:** - Doxazosin (recently adjusted the dosage considering potential seizure issues) - Gabapentin - Cymbalta - Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) - Lamictal - Nortriptyline - Metoprolol - Ubrevly as needed for Migraine management To summarize my situation briefly: About three weeks ago, I experienced an unusual episode where I was completely immobilized; I couldn't move or even blink. It didn't feel like mere anxiety; it was as if my body ceased to follow my commands. This escalated to losing consciousness and going limp while driving (I've since stopped driving). After going to the ER and having an episode in front of the medical staff, I was told it was functional and was discharged. However, within just two nights, my episodes turned convulsive and occurred in rapid succession, impacting my breathing. Originally, my neurologist was hesitant to provide assistance, prompting me to seek care from another specialist at the same hospital. Consequently, I underwent an overnight video EEG and an MRI. The EEG returned normal findings, leading to the conclusion that my seizures were functional, possibly triggered by POTS, a view shared by my dysautonomia specialist. I admit to being somewhat skeptical of the medical professionals after a prior experience left me with significant spinal damage leading to an emergency operation. Thus, I decided to review my MRI images, although I realize that I'm not well-versed in interpreting them. I came across a few dark spots that I marked and would appreciate a second opinion from knowledgeable individuals. Am I overthinking these findings? Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Could a Rotated Spine Be Responsible for My Swallowing Issues?
I am a 34-year-old female with no medications or notable medical history. Recently, I've been experiencing difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, for the past three to four weeks. During this period, I've only been able to consume soft foods. After undergoing a CT scan, I observed that my spine appears to be rotated. Is it possible that this spinal irregularity could be contributing to my swallowing problems? Thank you for your insights!
Concerns About My Mother's Emphasis on Cutting Carbs
Every day, my mother finds a new justification for eliminating carbohydrates from her diet. Today, she discussed a so-called "ketogenic diet." This approach often involves limiting carb intake to below 50 grams each day. I explained to her that for optimal health, the body actually requires a minimum of 130 grams of carbohydrates. She's become engrossed in videos from someone referred to as "Dr. Boz," claiming that cutting out sugars and carbs entirely is essential for her to access ketones by removing glucose from her system. Despite my insistence that her body primarily relies on glucose for energy, she remains unconvinced. Is this diet truly healthy? Am I overly concerned, or should I just cease our debates on the topic? For context, she is at a perfectly normal weight (147 lbs and 5 feet 7 inches tall).
Dealing with Loperamide-Induced Constipation: Seeking Solutions
Warning: This discussion involves digestive health topics. I’m a 24-year-old woman, standing at 5’5” and weighing around 140 pounds. I don’t smoke and have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Recently, I was experiencing severe anxiety and dehydration due to some intense diarrhea, which prompted my doctor to prescribe loperamide. I took the initial dose two days ago and haven’t needed additional doses since then. However, now I find myself struggling with constipation and have yet to have a bowel movement. I’ve just started passing some gas, but still no stool. My anxiety persists, which is causing muscle tension and making it hard for me to breathe easily. To be honest, my eating and sleeping habits have been off due to the anxiety. My diet mainly consists of fruits, bread, rice crackers, beans, and jerky, and I only had a proper meal (tacos) today. I’ve also been trying melatonin for sleep, which is something new for me. I started with a 3 mg dose the first night, and I felt incredibly groggy the next day, so I reduced it to 1.5 mg the following night. I took both the loperamide and melatonin on the same evening. Unfortunately, my doctor is unreachable since the health clinic is closed over the weekend, leaving me without guidance. I’ve begun to experience some mild abdominal discomfort, but I think a proper bowel movement would alleviate that. I prefer to avoid over-the-counter remedies, as I’m concerned about jeopardizing my hydration, which has been quite the struggle. I’m wondering if anyone has suggestions for foods that might help, any stretches that could encourage movement, or if I should simply try to relax.
Seeking Answers for Digestive Distress: Recommended Tests and Advice
I am a 34-year-old Caucasian female, standing at 165 centimeters tall and weighing 78 kilograms. On a daily basis, I take several medications: Prestance (5/5), Aerius, a hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring, and magnesium bisglycinate (365 mg). Occasionally, I also use Lexaurin (bromazepam) at a dosage of 0.75 mg every two or three weeks, primarily for anxiety and sleep disturbances, though I have not taken it in the last three weeks. Previously, I underwent multiple tests. Initial blood tests indicated a slight increase in amylase levels, which led to an abdominal ultrasound, yet nothing abnormal was detected. Both flexible sigmoidoscopy and a subsequent abdominal ultrasound were performed, revealing only hemorrhoids and an anal fissure. Throughout my life, I’ve grappled with digestive issues. Since childhood, I dealt with constipation, which ultimately resulted in hemorrhoids and my first anal fissure. To address this, I became conscious of my diet and utilized osmotic laxatives, which significantly improved my situation for many years, allowing me to have regular bowel movements without bleeding. However, approximately one year ago, I began experiencing unexpected episodes of diarrhea that can last between a couple of days to a week at a time. Mornings are particularly challenging, as I often experience loose stools, which eventually stabilize later in the day. During these episodes, I feel continually fatigued; after waking up, all I want is to return to bed, and merely completing my workday feels incredibly taxing. I also suffer from persistent nausea without vomiting, and this typically follows a pattern of ten days of normal or firmer stools followed by three days of diarrhea. Thankfully, I managed to avoid any diarrhea for over two months and even found myself needing to use Miralax occasionally. However, this past Wednesday, I awoke to an upset stomach once again. My meals consist of homemade food, which I ensure is not overly greasy or heavy, avoiding fast food and excessive sweets altogether. My overall daily functioning is severely impacted by the fatigue and frequent headaches I experience. Although I don’t encounter much abdominal pain, I do feel cramping in the lower central abdomen along with considerable gas and rumbling. I have scheduled an appointment with my general practitioner for Monday, though I find her approach somewhat passive; she tends to follow my requests rather than take the lead. What diagnostic tests should I consider requesting? While I am open to the possibility of upper endoscopy, a full colonoscopy seems daunting due to my anal fissure. I would greatly appreciate any insights regarding what might be happening. I understand it’s difficult to provide specific answers, but any guidance would be immensely appreciated!