[60F] Experiencing heartburn, back pain, and swallowing difficulty

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are some possibilities:

• 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, causing symptoms such as heartburn, chest discomfort, and difficulty swallowing.

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

• Gastritis: This is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). Gastritis can be caused by irritation due to excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress, or the use of certain medications such as aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs.

  • Treatment involves taking antacids and other drugs to decrease stomach acid, which can help speed the healing process.

• Peptic Ulcer: These are 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 heartburn, bloating, and feeling full can also be symptoms.

  • Treatment usually involves medications to decrease stomach acid. If an H. pylori infection is the cause, antibiotics are also part of the treatment.

• Gallstones: These are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause pain and digestive problems. While gallstones often don't cause any symptoms, they can lead to a feeling of fullness in the abdomen and back pain.

  • Treatment may not be necessary unless the gallstones cause symptoms. In those cases, surgery to remove the gallbladder is the most common treatment.

Please note that these are possibilities based on the symptoms you've described, and only a healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

Here are some steps you can take while you wait for your appointment with your healthcare provider:

1. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger heartburn. Everyone has specific triggers. Common triggers such as fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine may make heartburn worse.

2. Eat smaller meals. Avoid overeating by eating smaller meals.

3. Don't lie down after a meal. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.

4. 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.

5. Don't wear tight clothes or tight belts. They can put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus.

6. If you're overweight or obese, take steps to lose weight with diet and exercise changes. Ask your doctor for help in devising a weight-loss strategy that will work for you.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain
• Bloody or black stools
• Bloody or black vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that worsens

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may need different management. Always consult with your healthcare provider for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing, and care recommendations.