Just acid reflux??

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sickntired8

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I started having problems in May 2008 with throat constriction and tightness in throat. "globus sensation." I went to the ENT and he did a throat scope and told me I had vocal cord polyps and reflux. He gave me steroiRAB and prevacid. The polyps went away and the prevacid helped. After 6 weeks, I stopped taking the prevacid only for the symptoms to come back in 3 weeks. I started taking the prevacid again but It did not seem to work the second time. Went back to ENT and he said my throat looked inflamed and he started me on Nexium. I have been on Nexium for 2 months and i am still having the problems. It has been 8 months of treatment and I still have the same symptoms. I went to the ENT and he is sending me for an endoscopy. Can these symptoms just be related to reflux or is it something worse such as throat cancer or Barrett's esophogus. I am really worried because he mentioned it is possible I have abnormal cells in my throat or my sphincter?? in my stomach is allowing too much acid to come up. I am scared. Anyone have these problems??
 
Your symptoms could very well be acid reflux. First of all, throat cancer and Barrett's esophagus are very rare so it's unlikely that's what's causing your problem.

It takes at least 2-3 months for Nexium (or any other PPI) to truly begin to have an effect so just hang in there.

If you think the problem is acid reflux you really should see a gastroenterologist (not an ENT). In addition to the medication for acid reflux, there are a nuraber of lifestyle changes that you should consider to help get the reflux under control (raising the head of your bed 6", avoiding coffee and alcohol, avoiding tomato-based fooRAB and chocolate, lose weight if you're overweight, don't wear tight fitting clothing, and others).

Acid reflux can be frustrating and time-consuming to treat and it usually requires lifestyle changes and medication to treat it successfully, so hang in there, follow the doctor's instructions, and give it some time.
 
I have had the same symptoms for a year -- sore, irritated throat, lump feeling when swallowing. I have been to two ENTs, tried three different PPIs (Losec, Panatoloc, Nexium) and I still have the sore throat every day. I feel a bit better on the meRAB but I still suffer every day. I have seen a GI doctor and had an endoscopy done and it was normal -- no Barretts, no cancer. I'm now just trying to manage my symptoms with lifestyle changes and once per day PPI. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like doctors can do much more.
Kassie
 
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