I am a 18 years old male having many problems in just ...

You do have symptoms of gastroesaphageal reflux disease (GERD). It is caused by the esophagus not closing properly, so acid moves from the stomach into the esophagus. A common symptom is chest pain, and it does get worse at night because you are lying down. Elevating the head at night will help your symptoms. You may want to get a foam wedge. You can sometimes find these at medical supply companies. Diet can also effect GERD, so spicy foods, caffeine, foods high in fat and or acid, like orange juice, and carbonated beverages should be avoided or limited. Also avoid eating two hours before bedtime.

Here is a website with information about GERD and diagrams:

http://www.medicinenet.com/gastroesophageal_reflux_disease_gerd/article.htm

Zyrtec is normally given for allergies, to relieve itching eyes, runny nose, rashes, etc. Your doctor may have given it to you to help with the shortness of breath.

Some grastric problems can cause you to feel shoulder pain (referred pain), especially inflammation of the gall bladder or bile ducts.

You may want to call the gastroeterologist's office and let him know about the shoulder pain, if he doesn't already know. Ask to discuss your concerns with a nurse there, and let them know you haven't had any relief from the medication. The nurse there may be able to put your symptoms in perspective and relieve some anxiety. Anxiety can make GERD worse by making stomach muscles tighten.

I hope this information helps. If not please let me know.

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Do you think that my worrying is causing me to feel even more sick than what I really am. My breathing has improved greatly but my chest pains are worrying. Should I have to worry about Acid Reflux surgery to completly get rid of it. One more question, how often does acid reflux symptoms last because I have read where many people have shortness of breath everyday for like months? The shortness of breath has really messed with my daily life. I am usually energetic and hang out with friends all the time. Will these symptoms eventually leave?

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on September 20 2006 at 5:57pm

Yes, anxiety can cause your symptoms to get worse, so you would feel more sick, but not sicker than you really are. Anxiety can actually make you are more sick.

Chest pain is a very common symptom for gastric reflux. It may go away with time. Chest pain can be sporadic.

Since your stomach is leaking stomach into the esophagus, the acid in the esophagus is stimulating nerves that go to the heart, chest, and lungs. Making life style changes to reduce the amount of acid moving up will help relieve the chest pain and shortness of breath. Shortness of breath can also be caused by acid moving up far enough into the esopagus to go into the lungs near the throat. Shortness of breath will probably need treatment to go away entirely.

If you do not already sleep with your head elevated, this would be a very important step to take. You can put blocks and a slanted piece of plywood under your matress to lift it at the head, if you are not able to get a foam wedge.

Although acid reflux disease is considered a chronic (life long) kind of disease, treatment can reduce or get rid of your symptoms. I would not worry about surgery yet. You have just recently been diagnosed. When you see the gastroenterologist he will prescribe medication, interventions, and tests that may reduce your symptoms enough before you get to the point of needing surgery.

I hope this answered your questions. Let me know if you still have questions.

Edited by Ms Linda on September 20 2006 at 7:24pm

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One more question, is it alright if I tske Pepcid AC with the Nexium because my aunt had this before and she said Pepcid AC worked better than the Nexium.

Nexium and Pepcid AC both inhibit production of gastric acid. It is possible to over dose on either of these medications, so combining them may give you too much. Even though Pepcid AC is over the counter, you should ask the doctor that prescribed the Nexium before taking Pepcid AC with the Nexium.

Since everyone is different, one medication may be more effective than another for you. Since you have been taking the Nexium for over a week, and have had no relief, you should let your doctor know. He may change your medication.

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If this helped you please click the "accept" button. If not please post further comments or questions...Linda