how is severe acid reflux diagnosed
i am already on prevacid about 3 weeks i started with trouble swallowing(which seems to have resolved its self) i constantly have a burning in my throat that actually begins in my mouth. my chest even burns and sometimes i feel like im having a heart attack. this also make me sick to the stomach. my tongue and cheeks actually burn. i have also been taking maalox to try and ease the burning but it doesnt help.
In general, most doctors will diagnose based on symptoms. They will then do a medication trial. If the meds help then the diagnosis is confirmed. If they don't, then the doc may want to look at other possible explanations or may want to try a different medicine or increasing what you are on.
They will also rule out heart problems as the symptoms are often similar.
Finally, if you do not get better on medications they may do an upper GI series which is when you drink barium and they look at the anatomy of your GI system and/or and endoscopy where they go down your throat with a camera to look at things and take small biopsies.
I hope you start feeling better - Stephanie
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http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/introduction-000085_7-145.html
I found a great link on this site that explains the process in much greater detail.
Stephanie
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Hi Hallie -- I have had the same burning in the back of the mouth and into the throat since May of this year. I have been and are on several medications daily, but on my last visit to my Gastro doctor about 2 wks ago, he suggested I try gargling w/warm salt water as many times a day as I needed. The first time I gargled it was immediate relief from the burning jaggy pain I was feeling on the tongue, lips and throat. Something so simple and it worked. Even my voice has gotten stronger. I don't have to gargle every day now. It has really made a difference for me and what a relief.
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