Acid Reflux Chest Pain
Q: I developed asthma/allergies late in life (my first attack
nearly killed me). Now, instead of wheezing and shortness
of breath, I get chest pain in the left upper chest.
Has anyone every heard of this kind of condition? Doctors
have told me that this not the normal reaction to mold, mildew
and other allergens . Is there anything I can do other than take
pain medication. I am a recovering alcoholic.
A:The clinical history, rather than diagnostic work-up, is usually the basis
for a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux-triggered asthma. Typical
symptoms in the asthmatic patient include recurrent heartburn that
radiates up and down the chest, that worsens when lying down or bending
over, or that abates with the ingestion of water or antacids. Acid
regurgitation into the throat is also common. However, in many patients,
even a careful history may not suggest GERD because of minimal or absent
esophageal symptoms. Some patients complain of pain with swallowing or
chest pain that mimics angina. Others have no digestive symptoms but
have pulmonary manifestations that result from reflux, such as nocturnal
cough, recurrent pneumonia, sinusitis or otitis."