[27F] Experiencing heartburn, dizziness, and tingling in feet

Patient Description

A 27-year-old female reports constant heartburn that started recently, without any unusual food intake. She has a history of acid reflux from childhood and experienced heartburn during pregnancy two years ago. Additionally, she describes sudden onset dizziness characterized by spinning and lightheadedness, rating the severity as 4 out of 10, which is most noticeable when sitting still. Drinking water provides slight relief. She also experiences a tingling sensation in her feet, predominantly in the right foot, which began concurrently with the dizziness. The patient has a long-standing history of hemorrhoids, which have worsened recently, and her last bowel movement was described as very loose. She has been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) since 2021. Currently, she is on Prozac and Wellbutrin, and reports no known drug allergies. There is no chest pain, difficulty swallowing, sudden severe headache, or loss of balance or coordination.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a condition where 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 and cause heartburn. You mentioned having a history of acid reflux and experiencing heartburn after eating certain foods, which are common in GERD.

    • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. If these don't help, your doctor might recommend prescription medications or surgery.
  • Vertigo: This is a sensation of feeling off balance and experiencing a dizzy spinning sensation. It's usually caused by problems in the inner ear or brain. You mentioned feeling dizzy and lightheaded, which are common symptoms of vertigo.

    • Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms. It may include medications, physical therapy maneuvers, or procedures.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: This results from damage to your peripheral nerves, which often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also cause tingling in your feet.

    • Treatment usually focuses on managing the condition causing your neuropathy and relieving symptoms. This can include medications, therapies, and possibly surgery.
  • Hemorrhoids: These are swollen veins in your lowest part of your rectum and anus. You mentioned having a long history of hemorrhoids and that they've gotten worse recently.

    • Treatment usually involves over-the-counter creams or ointments, lifestyle changes, or medical procedures if your hemorrhoids are large or don't improve with home treatments.

Please remember that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. Only a healthcare professional can provide that.

What you can do

  1. For your heartburn, try to identify and avoid foods that trigger your symptoms. Eat smaller, more frequent meals and don't lie down or go to bed soon after a meal. Over-the-counter medications like antacids may also help.

  2. For your dizziness, try to avoid sudden changes in position, especially from lying down to standing up. Stay hydrated and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.

  3. For the tingling in your feet, try to rest and elevate your feet. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help. Regular exercise can often reduce symptoms.

  4. For your hemorrhoids, over-the-counter creams or ointments may provide some relief. Soaking regularly in a warm bath can also help. Try to avoid straining during bowel movements and use a stool softener if necessary.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your heartburn is accompanied by severe chest pain or pressure, especially if combined with other signs and symptoms such as pain in the arm or jaw or difficulty breathing. These could be symptoms of a heart attack.
  • Your dizziness is accompanied by a new, severe headache, a stiff neck, difficulty keeping your balance, falling or difficulty walking, fainting or loss of consciousness, sudden hearing loss, or blurred or double vision. These could be signs of a serious condition, such as a stroke.
  • The tingling in your feet becomes painful, you have muscle weakness or trouble moving any part of your body, you have a rash, you have a fever, or you unintentionally lose weight. These could be signs of a serious condition, such as multiple sclerosis or lupus.
  • Your hemorrhoids are accompanied by rectal bleeding, pain, and itching, or if you have hemorrhoidal symptoms and you're older than age 50. These could be signs of more serious digestive disease.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in person.

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1 yr ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Acid Reflux (GERD): American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines

People Also Ask


What are common triggers for heartburn and how can they be avoided?

Common triggers for heartburn include spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and large meals. To avoid heartburn, try to identify and avoid these triggers, eat smaller meals, and avoid lying down soon after eating.


What are the typical causes of vertigo and how is it treated?

Vertigo is often caused by issues in the inner ear, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, or vestibular neuritis. Treatment may include medications, physical therapy maneuvers like the Epley maneuver, or addressing the underlying cause.


What might cause tingling in the feet and how can it be managed?

Tingling in the feet can be caused by peripheral neuropathy, which may result from diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or nerve damage. Management includes treating the underlying cause, using medications for symptom relief, and lifestyle changes like regular exercise.


What are effective treatments for hemorrhoids?

Effective treatments for hemorrhoids include over-the-counter creams or ointments, warm baths, dietary changes to increase fiber intake, and avoiding straining during bowel movements. In severe cases, medical procedures may be necessary.


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