GERD & Heartburn Support Group
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. If you are afflicted with GERD or heartburn, join the group and find support.
I can eat the smallest thing and get an acid taste in my mouth. The taste can stay in my mouth for hours. Does this mean that acid is continually fluxing into my esophagus while I have the acid taste?? I never feel acid in my esophagus or throat, just this acidy taste in my mouth. I worry that acid is fluxing for so many continual hours, if that is what is happening. I had the acid taste WORSE when I was on PPIs, so it doesn't make sense that it would be nonstop acid fluxing into my mouth, but I don't know. I am not seeing a gastroenterologist until October, so would like any help if anyone has knowledge about this. Thank you.
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From jbmd
Wednesday, July 31, 2013 10:50 AM EST
jbmd :
Hi--I'll be glad to answer your questions. Are you available to chat? I am a board-certified internal medicine doctor.
jbmd :
Omeprazole can cause urination problems.
jbmd :
If acid taste is in your mouth, it's probably coming up your esophagus.
Customer:
yes I can chat, thank you
jbmd :
What you can do is to take ranitidine instead of the omeprazole--it's an entirely different class of drug
jbmd :
It can be bought over the counter
Customer:
That's zantac right?
jbmd :
Right
jbmd :
As long as you're not taking Halcion or have the illness porphyria, it should work well for you
Customer:
When you say "different class of drug" are you saying an H2 blocker versus a PPI? Because I did take Pepcid AC before I went to the ER and it did help me.
jbmd :
Yes, but most people find ranitidine better than Pepcid AC but if Pepcid works better for you, then that's the thing for you.
Customer:
At least I didn't have side effects with it. The thing I am concerned about is having "acid rebound" when not using the meds. I don't want to have to take meds long term if possible, but I also don't want to be doing damage to my esophagus. I know PPIs have long term side effects. Do H2 blockers have known long term side effects? Thank you
jbmd :
Take 150 mg twice a day over the counter
Customer:
to clarify that's 150 mg of Pepcid twice a day--thank you
jbmd :
H2 blockers can as side effects cause funny heartbeats, insomnia, rash, joint pain. It also in some people causes increased incidence of pneumonia as it doesn't let the stomach acid kill as many germs
jbmd :
But these are rare and in you sound like way too much acid is your problem.
jbmd :
Some foods are better digested with more stomach acid but again---too much
jbmd :
As far as the mouth goes, dentists sometimes diagnose reflux by acid etching on the teeth, especially the back molars
jbmd :
From now to October--I doubt much problem AND it isn't rebound with it but return to what caused problem in first place if not investigated
jbmd :
The twice a day is to get the acid under control and then switch maybe to once a day. The top pill size is 300 mg
jbmd :
Until the acid is controlled, limit bending over, doing other things that cause reflux.
Customer:
Thank you. I am taking Betaine HCL (hydrochloric acid) with other herbal supplements because I wanted to not take a pharmaceutical after what happened with the omeprazole. Would that counteract the Pepcid/zantac?
Customer:
Also, if the acid taste is caused by acid why would the omeprazole have made the acid taste worse?? Thank you
jbmd :
I think I'd have to say just take the ranitidine, not the Betaine, an aluminum compound, I believe. what herbs?
Customer:
Licorice Root (DGL)
Customer:
Aloe Vera
Customer:
Marshmallow Root
Customer:
Psyllium
jbmd :
Why did the omeprazole make the acid taste worse? It is a common side effect of the drug to give dry mouth with a bad taste that tastes like acid.
Customer:
I am also taking Claritin because I am having a sore throat and post nasal drip (afraid it could be LPR), but the Claritin helps with those symptoms
jbmd :
Licorice can raise blood pressure, aloe vera is fine, marshmallow and psyllium is fine BUT--unless you are treating something else, like if constipation is a problem and worsens stomach upset and the psyllium helps, why take anything you don't need that isn't totally harmless and good? Herbs are drugs
jbmd :
Claritin with it is fine. I tell my patients to use a neti pot and warm salt water several times a day or a NeilMed bottle if they prefer--that's a definite ayurvedic natural remedy.
jbmd :
Claritin increases the dry mouth -- it's not as specific for the nasal drip symptoms. I prefer nose sprays, not otc but short term steroid nose sprays or Astelin for nasal symptoms but my mainstay is washing and avoiding fabric softener, detergents on pillowcases and sheets near the face.
Customer:
The licorice is DGL (the dyrrichliz (sp?) is removed so it doesn't raise blood pressure) It coats the stomach. I am taking the psyllium and other stomach things because of the diarrhea (I have had diarrhea and intestinal distress for 18 years) and these herbs actually made my stool normal for the first time. Thank you for your help.
jbmd :
Great--then you have a reason to take them. Some people go out and buy and take the latest thing--with consequences (I am in California)
Customer:
Avoiding detergents? Do you mean that reduces allergies?
jbmd :
It technically is not allergy mediated. It's more a chemical irritation. Especially people who already have irritation, like chemo patients and people like you whose esophagus, mouth, and probably airway were irritated by acid. I've had people stop snoring when they started washing their pillowcases in plain hot water. Some people have to do all their sheets too. Better with colored sheets, not white!
jbmd :
Some people react again if they use commercial shampoo and then sleep as the shampoo residue gets on the pillow.
jbmd :
But when you add stuffiness and irritation to stuffiness and irritation...
Customer:
Oh, that's great advice, thanks so much for your help! When you say commercial shampoo, should we use an organic shampoo ?
jbmd :
Depends on what you are sensitive/allergic to. Remember organic shampoos are plant based.
Customer:
very true! thanks again for your help.
jbmd :
I think it's the actress Jessica Alba (?) who has started a company for kid's products like this
Customer:
I did not know that. Thank you. By the way, can Pepcid be taXXXXX XXXXX term (like years) or not?? Thank you.
jbmd :
I haven't tried them but (just looked it up) http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2012/01/jessica-albas-eco-friendly-household-items-website.html
jbmd :
You can take them for years but you might discuss with the gi doctor because I'm saying that without knowing what the reason is for your problem, if anything is found. As a doctor, I don't do that because I can't treat or examine you here or replace local care
jbmd :
H2 blockers don't increase risk osteoporosis like PPI
Customer:
Oh thank you. I understand. I just wanted to know how dangerous they are. I do appreciate your help and excellent customer service.
jbmd :
Thanks! If you are done, please keep the info above and rate the question so it closes! Return when you have more. You can direct them to me if you wish.
Customer:
One last thing--I have been told that my acid reflux (by a homeopath) is caused by too LITTLE acid in my stomach (thus the taking hydrochloric acid). Is there any validity to this? I know you can't know about me specifically, but is that sometimes the case?
jbmd :
I don't think acid reflux can possibly come from too little acid. The stomach cells are what make acid.
Customer:
Okay, again thanks, XXXXX XXXXX great day!
BTW, what is your homeopathic solution for anxiety.
Can you share that?
http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/products/product/stocknumber3163.aspx
I have been having anxiety attacks since I was 15 years old and I have never had anything work like this. Not antidepressants nor natural remedies like valerian, etc.
I take the one at the top of the pics on the website that is a tincture (it doesn't have alcohol in it). I haven't tried the pills, but I bet they work just as well. I like the tincture because I feel like it gets in my system fast. The recommended dose is 15 to 30 drops with water, but I've never had to take more than 15 drops to stop my anxiety. I don't take it every day either (although you can), I stopped taking it after my anxiety subsided and haven't needed it since. But, I am also taking salmon oil, flaxseed oil, and these:
http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/general/search/?q=mood
enhancer and
http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/general/search/?q=stress relief
I am taking the flaxseed oil and salmon oil (I get them from the same company) to repair the myelin sheath over my nerves. From years of anxiety it is deteriorated. The other two herbs are Chinese herb combinations that seem to be working awesome. I didn't start taking all this other stuff until about two weeks after I started taking the stress J, so I know the stress J by itself works. This other stuff was recommended by that naturopathic nutritionist to repair the damage to my body from years of anxiety and to prevent further anxious episodes.
If you read the description about the stress J it also is used for helping calm the stomach. The naturopath believes (and I think rightly so) that you have to repair the nerves and anxiety in order to repair the stomach. I think I paid 30 or 40 dollars for a lifetime membership to the nature's sunshine products (that website) so I get the member price. I think it's definitely worth it. You can find out about nature's sunshine, they are an excellent company and were the first company to encapsulate herbs back in 1972. The natureopath who helps me had brain cancer when he was 23 back in the 70s. Since he refused chemo after surgery he was sent home to die, but he started using various herbs and changed his nutrition and he is still alive and is the one who recommended this program to me. I have met numerous people with all kinds of conditions who have been helped by him.
http://www.naturesfinestnutrition.com/about.html
I hope I don't sound like a commercial, I just want people to have the information that is so hard to find out there.
Also, I can take the salmon oil, which is "trigger" thanks to this natureopath because he told me to take it right before bed (4 pills) and not to get back up (except for the bathroom) and sure enough it doesn't cause reflux. I would have never thought to do that.
Yes, the stomach is related to the brain!
So glad you were able to find things that work for you!
HopeHappens: Yes, me too-- just that horrible acidy taste! This past week though I started getting post nasal drip and sore throat from eating stuff I shouldn't (I think I might have LPR because Claritin isn't really working).
I was prescribed Claritin too, about 3 yrs ago. I kept going to my PCP for congestion, lots of nasty post nasal drip & sore throat, I kept going back because Claritin, Flonase, nansonex, Zyrtec, astelin, none of them worked...and I told her each time she prescribed a new one....she just kept telling me to take my meds, and of course I didn't continue taking them because I knew they were doing nothing. Now here I am with GERD, esophagitis, hiatal hernia, this could probably all have been prevented from getting to where its at now. I just keep hoping and praying it can get better.
Hope your able to find some relief:)
I have the same issue with the metallic taste and I've tried almost all the PPIs on the market and currently trying Carafate. Did the Stress-J take away your metallic taste in your mouth. I am thinking it might be the anxiety that is causing this and not what I eat.