Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

[gja1000]

Originally Posted by judy

I also have GERD. I have changed my diet, but can still have coffee, tomatoes, chocolate, etc. I limit myself to two cups of coffee/day now. I discovered that no sweeteners in the coffee help. (???) I think everybody's foods to avoid differ. I have been taking nexium for years for it.

Judy, I am a bit concerned that you have been taking Nexium for years. Proton Pump Inhibitors like Nexium were initially meant for short term use, about 1 year. The literature does not say specifically how long to take them, but the research does show some adverse affects with long term use. I've copied something from the drug.com site:

People who take proton pump inhibitors such as esomeprazole may be more likely to fracture their wrists, hips, or spine than people who do not take one of these medications. The risk is highest in people who take high doses of one of these medications or take them for one year or longer. The risk may also be higher in people who are 50 years of age or older. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking esomeprazole.

You can take the H2 inhibitors (Zantac 150, Tagamet, and Pepcid AC - the literature says Zantac 150 is the best), on a long term basis. I think some of the low dose (over the counter) drugs like Prilosec are OK to take on a longer term basis.

[Tiramisu]

Gayle are the samples still working? I have acid reflux that has been controlled by pre acid for 12 years now. Tried prilosec for awhile but it didn't last 24 hours. Only have problems if I eat greasy fried.

[gja1000]

Yes, I think I am a bit better - I am not coughing nearly as much and my throat feels better. BUT - I am trying to lose some weight and last night about 9:00 I was STARVING AND I MEAN STARVING - so I gave up and ate a snack. This morning I can feel mucus in my throat so I'm sure that stirred things up overnight. Bad girl. Bad girl. I won't do that again (well, I'll try not to anyway).

I think it's true Sandy, what works for one person, does not necessarily work very well for the next person. It's so individual.

[judy]

Thanks for the advice, Gayle. I will talk to my doctor when I see him. They used to think nexium caused cancer on a long term basis. It does have a bad reputation!

Have you tried sleeping with your head and chest raised (like on a wedge)?

You probably can snack in the evening. Try jello, or something bland. Bread also don't cause a lot of acid. You will figure it out soon. It is amazing how well we know out own bodies if we think about it.

Isn't aging fun?