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I have gerd symptomps that are not helped by antacid like tums or pills like famotidine.what should i do?
Optional Information: Gender: Male Age: 43 Already Tried: tums famotidine
Hello,Have you had weight loss surgery? If not, roughly how tall are you and how much do you weigh? Have any tests been done to study your stomach and esophagus?Thanks,Dr Dan
noI am a tad bit over weight.some people just say i am big.5 11205ideal weight would be 180 -170have not really had tests for this issue.I had stomach pain and tests were done for that.seems it was pre ulcerbut its not bothering me now.scott
Scott,The next step would be to try a proton pump inhibitor, like Prilosec. After starting it, you should take it every day as directed. Prilosec needs to be taken for 2-3 days before its full effect can be felt.Ultimately, you will need an upper endoscopy (EGD) to evaluate your esophagus and stomach properly. Sometimes, infection of the stomach from the bacteria, helicobacter pylori, can cause your symptoms. This diagnosis can be made with the EGD. Most often, however, GERD is caused by a weak muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that allows stomach acid to come back into the esophagus. A hiatal hernia at this spot can also contribute to reflux. If symptoms do not resolve with Prilosec, a surgical evaluation may be necessary.Good luck,Dr Dan