[21M] With chronic chest tightness and regurgitation

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described—throwing up, regurgitating food, chest tightness, dull chest pain, and heartburn that worsens after eating—here are some possible explanations:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain.

  • Typical treatments: Lifestyle changes (such as avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and not lying down after eating), over-the-counter antacids, and prescription medications to reduce stomach acid.

• Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of your stomach, small intestine, or esophagus. They can cause upper abdominal pain, which may be felt on the left side, and can worsen with eating.

  • Typical treatments: Medications to reduce stomach acid, antibiotics if an infection is present, and lifestyle changes to avoid irritants like NSAIDs and alcohol.

• Hiatal Hernia: This occurs when part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm into your chest cavity. It can cause symptoms similar to GERD, including heartburn and regurgitation.

  • Typical treatments: Lifestyle changes, medications to reduce stomach acid, and in some cases, surgery.

What you can do

While it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some steps you can take to help manage your symptoms:

1. Avoid Trigger Foods: Common triggers include spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol. Keeping a food diary using MDandMe can help you identify specific triggers.
2. Eat Smaller Meals: Large meals can increase pressure on your stomach, leading to reflux. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals.
3. Stay Upright After Eating: Avoid lying down for at least 2-3 hours after eating to prevent acid from flowing back into your esophagus.
4. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: Raising the head of your bed by 6-8 inches can help prevent nighttime reflux.
5. Over-the-Counter Medications: Antacids can provide quick relief for heartburn. H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can reduce stomach acid production.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe or worsening chest pain: This could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a heart problem.
• Difficulty swallowing: This could indicate a narrowing of the esophagus.
• Unexplained weight loss: This could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
• Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools: These could be signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Remember, while these tips can help manage your symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. You can use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, get insights, and share your medical notes with your provider.