[29M] With chronic severe heartburn and recent onset of cough with hemoptysis

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• 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. Common symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and a sensation of a lump in your throat.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. If these don't help, your doctor might recommend prescription medications or surgery.

• Peptic Ulcer Disease: Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is stomach pain, but they can also cause heartburn, nausea, and chest pain.

  • Treatment usually involves medications to decrease stomach acid. If an H. pylori infection is present, antibiotics will be needed.

• Esophageal Cancer: While less likely, given your age and the duration of your symptoms, it's important to consider more serious conditions. Difficulty swallowing and coughing up blood can be signs of esophageal cancer.

  • Treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy.

What you can do

1. Seek immediate medical attention. Your symptoms, particularly coughing up blood and difficulty swallowing, are serious and require prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.
2. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger heartburn. Common triggers include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.
3. Try to eat smaller meals. Avoid overeating by eating smaller meals.
4. Don't lie down after a meal. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.
5. Elevate the head of your bed. If you regularly experience heartburn while trying to sleep, put gravity to work for you. Place wood or cement blocks under the feet of your bed so that the head end is raised by 6 to 9 inches.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting blood
• Black, tarry stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest pain
• New or worsening cough

Please remember that this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.