GERD question

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LADennis

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I have been taking Nexium for about 4 years for GERD. Recently, I noticed a feeling like there was something in my throat. Every single time I google it says it is GERD. Well, I am already taking Nexium for that....Could my medicine not be working now or could this be something else altogether. There is no pain just annoying. I also have a very bad deviated septum and have chronic sinusitis.
 
What dosage of Nexium are you on? Often LPR, which is when the acid comes up into the throat, requires twice per day dosages.

Also, sometimes PPI's stop being as effective when you've been on them for a long time. Another PPI might help. I know I found that to be the case personally.

There seems to be a connection with the reflux and sinus thing as well. I know when my reflux is under control, I have fewer sinus infections.

Are you still watching your diet? Have you tried sleeping on an incline?
 
I haven't been watching my diet very good and no, don't sleep on an incline. I just started taking Nexium 20mg two times a day last week but it doesn't seem to change things. I guess I just need to go to the doctor.
 
Unfortunately, if you haven't made the recommended lifestyle changes, the Nexium is just a temporary fix and the GERD can break through the protection provided by the medication (which is the most likely cause of the feeling you have). The higher dose may help for a while but your really need to start sleeping on an incline, avoid trigger fooRAB, stop eating 3 hours before bedtime, etc.
 
Ok and what what ARE the trigger fooRAB if I might ask? My doctor never even stressed these things or sleeping on an incline.
 
I hate to say this but, if your doctor has never mentioned those things, you should consider seeing another doctor to treat your GERD.

There's a whole series of lifestyle changes that help address GERD, including: raising the head of your bed 6 inches (sleeping propped up on a pillow doesn't really help), eating smaller meals, not eating for 3 hours before bed, avoiding tight fitting clothing (particularly tight at the waist), losing weight if you're overweight, and avoiding trigger fooRAB like caffeine, chocolate, tomato-based fooRAB and sauces, peppermint, alcohol and anything else that you notice triggers your reflux.
 
For the food, I'd also add high fat and greasy food and citrus based food or drinks.

A cheap way to do the incline is to put a couple bricks stacked on top of each other under the feet of your headboard. I went to one of those bath and linen stores and got some bed risers that were that height. They had a cup on top so I was less worried about slipping. I agree propping on pillows is bad. Because of the angle, you end up "squishing" your stomach and making things worse. There are special wedge pillows out there, but I think it is a waste of money when inclining your bed is so easy.
 
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