I started having what I like to call "heartburn" when I was pregnant with my second child in 2006. Which was a pain that started right below my rib cage and traveled up to my esophogus and felt exactly like acid eating away at my throat. Since November of 2011 it has gotten so bad I have "heartburn" daily. The pain is there when I wake up, all through the day and sometimes interrupts my sleep during the night. I take heartburn relief pills (comparable to Pepcid AC) one to two times a day. What could this be? Do I need to make an appointment with my doctor?
Q: Daily heartburn, what could it be?
Answers (1)
2/ 4/12 12:05pm
It is quite common to experience heartburn when pregnant. Your baby growing inside you pushes the stomach up and makes acid reflux (heartburn) more likely.
However, if you are now experiencing heartburn frequently and relying on medication, you must see your doctor.
Frequent acid reflux attacking the esophagus can result in the condition called Barrett's Esophagus which can be a pre-cursor to cancer.
Your doctor may send you for a gastroscopy when a camera on a flexible tube will be placed down your esophagus to check on the damage that has been done.
Pepcid is a medicine called an H2 reaction antagonist (H2RA) which reduces the acid. You will probably find a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) like omeprazole more effective. Your doctor will prescribe this for you.
Meantime, eat small meals, avoiding high fat content, wear loose fitting clothing, don't eat within three hours of reclining or sleeping. Lose weight if appropriate and stop smoking if appropriate.
This video explains it well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdK0jRFpWPQ
Chris Robinson (chairman@BarrettsWessex.org.uk)
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By tabithaearles— Last Modified: 02/04/12, First Published: 02/04/12
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