so i have noticed over the last 2 weeks (i would say) i have had reflux or something going on. its not heartburn but i get this acidy cough all day and im not too sure what it is. i have never had this before (except when i was pregnant). i havent even eaten yet today and i have this acidy cough. theres no burning in my chest or anything like that. have any moms here (or dads) had something like this?
my cycles are very irregular so far i have had one this year. so pregnancy is unlikey but i will probably be testing just to rule out the small possiblility after i get paid next week.
I have silent reflux, which means I don't get heartburn. My only symptom is a cough; it was discovered because I went to the doctor with a chronic cough. I'd always thought reflux was a minor problem, just something to be resolved with over the counter meds. It turns out it's quite serious if untreated, because it is one of the main causes of throat cancer. So I recommend getting it checked out - in fact, whether or not it might be reflux!
Reflux is an ongoing malfunction of the acid producing pumps in the stomach. Occasional upset stomach where acid burps up is not reflux.
That's what always gets me when they have those commercials on for Tums and other meds for totally different illnesses.
If this is something new then it would seem to me that it might just be a stomach upset. Perhaps stress, a change in diet, drinking more fluids, etc...could be throwing off the balance in the stomach.
I would tell you to go to Walmart and get a bottle of antacid that is a flavor you can stand then take it a couple of times per day. See what happens. If it calms down then it's just one of those things. Keep some handy in the event it comes back.
BUT if it doesn't clear it up and you're not pregnant then I suggest you make an appointment to see the doc about doing an X-Ray with you drinking the stuff so they can see exactly what is going on when you swallow and what the inside of the tummy looks like.
Too much stomach acid that has not been an issue could be several things. I get more tummy upsets if I am under stress. I also get more tummy upsets if I am not resting well at night. I do sleep in a more upright position so that acid doesn't get in my throat at night. My friend has permanent damage to her lungs and vocal chords from stomach acid coming up in the night time. She can't sing anymore and her lungs are not very healthy anymore. She gets pneumonia several times per year now. She can't even use cleaners at home if she is breathing in strong fumes, like with Pine Sol. She can't use that one especially.
Acid can eat away at your esophagus, it can make ulcers on the stomach surface, it can leave long lasting effects so if an regular antacid has no effect you do need to get a prescription for a stronger acid reducer.
If it's 2 weeks, get checked. If it's reflux, let me know - there are some simple things you can do before you go through a huge elimination diet. Your cycle could be a lot more regular too.
But those symptoms can indicate other things unrelated to gastro-intestinal issues and I don't think you should wait.
Meantime, elevate the head of your bed at night - try putting some folded blankets under the mattress so you are elevated from the waist up.
If you're sure it's reflux, that can be very dangerous over the long term.
See your doc.
George's Aloe Vera juice helped a friend get off if ALL of her reflux medicine. (Because those aren't magic fixes, they cause other issues.)
Usually if you have consistent symptoms for 2 weeks that you can not explain it warrants a trip to the doctor. The feeling of heart burn can by symptoms of more serious problems. It's time for a check up with your PCP, not your OBGYN.
Sounds like reflux to me. At least those are my symptoms. I take generic prilosec prescribed by my doctor. Reflux can do serious damage over time. I suggest you see your doctor.
