Dear Miriam,

I will alert Tracy to your message so she can put her two cents in too!

It is unusual to have vomiting associated with adult GERD. However, it is possible. Most adults have the classic heartburn, burning throat and esophagus.

It might make sense to check in with the gastroenterologist again. I know there is a greatly increased knowledge of eosinophilic esophagitis in the past few years. The classic signs are vomiting, the sensation of food getting stuck in the throat and a distinctive pattern as seen on an endoscopy. Biopsies taken during the endo confirm the diagnosis. EE is an allergic reaction that takes place in the esophagus and stomach.

Ask the gastro doctor if your son may have food allergies or intolerances (fructose, lactose are common).

You might want to do a little research on this site for info on EE and food allergies.

Tracy lives the life so she can give you more info.

Take care,

Jan Gambino

The RefluxMom

Miriam,

I am turning 30 in a few days and I have also had the same problems your son is having.  I was just finally diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis.  My throwing up started at the age of eight and it came and went usually when my allergies would get worse.  Your son maybe allergic to barley and that is what is causing the vomitting after beer.  I've also experienced the hives also when drinking.  I take nexium in the morning and allergy shots weekly for the last 6 years and my life has improved since before medication.  The biggest thing he needs to realize is what the food he is eating and when he vomits afterwards.  I went to a GI who specialized with allergies. She was awesome and very understanding.  It took about 3 or 4 GI doctors to finally diagnose me. Most were not very understanding of my problem.   Another med he could take in the evening is ranitdine generic tagment.  It has benedryl in it and is suppose to help with the acid, because that is basically his problem.  His stomach is making too much acid probably caused by an allergen.  I hope this helps on the search.  It only took me 22 years to get this information!

Dear Christina, thank you so much for your information.  Maybe Anthony does have the eosinophilic esophagitis like you.  He is having an endoscopy this coming thursday and they are going to take 3 different biopsies.  Hope to God we find out something that will help him.  I will look into that other medication you mentioned - tagamet.  Did you ever try doxypin the antidepressant also supposed to lessen acid production. The gi doc recommended it but Anthony hasnt taken it yet - we wanted to get a 2nd opinion.  Its been about 2 weeks now with no symptoms occuring and I think he also has stopped all alcohol.  Maybe the alcohol is the culprit, which is awful for a 24 yr old in this culture but the alternative has got to be much worse.  So glad you have your illness under control and hope Anthony will soon be able to say the same.  Thanks again.  Miriam 

I'm going to the GI again next week.  I just got the paper in the mail with the diagnosis.  I will see what type of meds they put me on now.  I really think the allergy shots is what is keeping me somewhat under control.  I still have problems, but not the throwing up like when I was younger.  I've been on the shots for about 7 years now.  I don't think I'll ever get off of them.  My brother also has the same problem with the drinking.  I know it is hard, but I don't think it is worth the pain.  I'm glad I could be helpful.  Let me know if you find out anything new.  I've never been on anti-depressants.  Maybe that is what she will put me on.

Hi Christina, thanks for your email.  You mentioned your brother having the same problem.  Does he have repeated vomiting after too much alcohol?  It seems to happen to Anthony when he has consumed alcohol daily for a few days and then all of a sudden the vomiting starts.  Please tell me about your brother so maybe we can figure out a pattern and maybe alcohol is the culprit.  Thanks alot for your input.  Miriam