I keep getting these heartburn-type attacks, anyone have any suggestions?

Question

I don't know if it's heart burn, acid reflux, or what; but I randomly get these (I think) gastric attacks where there's a pressure build up in my chest that last anywhere from 3-5 hours, and then leaves fairly abruptly.

It usually, but not always, only happens if I've eaten something after 7:00.

It's a steady dull pain that is slightly relieved if I sit up, so I can't lay down and sleep.

I can feel it start in the evening, and always gets full blown after I go to bed.

I tried Pepto, tums, rolaids, and even ibuprofin; none of which helped. Twice it has caused me to vomit, which also provided no relief.

The only thing that helps is Prilosec. When I'm on the 14 day treatment, it never happens; but once I stop, it will start again.

And it happens about twice a week on average.

Any ideas about what I can do? (can't go to the doctor, since I am without health insurance for another few months).
Is there an OTC medicine that works better than Prilosec?
Thanks :)

Oh, and I don't know if it matters, but I'm not overweight, and am only 29.
And my eating habits are not the greatest :P

Thanks for all the good suggestions. I do drink a lot of water (it's pretty much all I drink), but I know I gotta improve my diet.
I guess 29 is relatively young, but starting to get up there... it's gonna be hard cutting down on all those pizzas :(

Looks like I'll be stocking up on the Prilosec too.

Answer 1

My husband is 30. He was diagnosed with GERD by a gastrointerologist. Your symptoms sound exactly the same. Yes Prilosect is what his doctor recommended 20mg, if the Nexium he is on now became too expensive. The doctor says it works just as well as the Nexium. The trick is to stay on it don't quit just because you feel better. There is no cure for GERD medication it the answer unless it had eroded your espohagus than surgery is an option. Otherwise stay on the prolosect until you can afford a Doc.

Answer 2

I get the same thing when I've been bad by eating spicy foods or drinking alcohol.
The best things to avoid before you lay down for the night are acidic foods like most fried &/or spicy foods, tomato based foods, orange juice and coffees.
I went to the hospital for this before and they advise you to change your diet and give you an expensive prescription that is no better than Prilosec. Try laying off the acidic foods, eat slower and earlier and let your food digest before lying down and see if this helps. If not, go see a doctor because the acid you burp up can damage your throat and esophagus and make it harder to heal. It's basically indigestion where the acid sits in your chest and burns your esophagus. I know it's painful so best of luck to you. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Two possibilities:

ok, this is a little graphic, but it may help. Did you know that that at any given time, the average preson holds between 10-20 lbs of solid waste in his system? And if the 'trains' aren't leaving on schedule, the whole depot gets backed up. This can create a condition called intestinal diverticulium (or deformations in the intestine). Easy solution? Make vegetables & fruits the mainstay of your diet. Increase the amount of water you consume and of course move around more. Diverticuliums, if they get worse, can thin out the intestinal wall, and eveltually allow them to rupture, creating the possibility for a an extremely painful and potentially fatal infection.

Another possibility is a Hiedal Hernia(sp?), or opening in the valve that is supposed to keep food in the digestive tract. Number one symptom is extreme pain if you lay down after eating.

You can also try gas-x, but personally, I think that the first situation is what causes most acid indigestion and digestive problems.

Good luck.

Answer 4

It could be a very simple heartburn or the beginning of something more significant. There is a condition called Schltkies Ring (not sure of the spelling) also called steakhouse syndrom. It is an inflamation of the lower esophgas and flares up when you eat too fast or don't chew very well. It feels like the food gets stuck and causes a lot of pressure. If it is this or some form of reflux they are easily controlled with meds. Have a doctor check. It is simple and what a relief. You forget how good it felt to eat normal.

Answer 5

Hi, If your wanting a Natural way to deal with this, then, you should check into a ant inflammation diet for a while. This mild indigestion could be from something you ate, or it could be as bad as erosion in the esophagus,
A simple remedy would be to not eat at least 3 hours before bedtime. Also, if you will take a spoonful of honey, it will calm any acid you might have from the food.
Also, you can try putting a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water, and drink it. the baking soda will neutralize the acid.

Answer 6

If you need to eat anything at night, make it just a few crackers and perhaps some weak sugary tea or gingerale.

You will probably need to get used to a non-spicy diet, before you develop an ulcer. Do a search on 'bland diet', and you'll see what type of food you should be eating--and not eating.

You definitely should be avoiding spicy foods, greasy foods, lunch meats, hot dogs, sausage, etc. You should cut down or quit coffee and/or cola. Too much citrus (which would be in the tomato sauce on your pizza) would also be no good. Check it out.

Answer 7

It might help if u eat light meals in the evening , and avoid all types of fatty food . Also u can take ur dinner earlier than u do , and go out for a walk after dinnere ..I hope it works .. If not , I think u ought to see a doctor

Answer 8

have you found any correlation to what you eat and when the pressure begins? it could possibly be your diet. if you can't go to the doctor i would suggest eating more fruits and veges and stay away from greasy or spicy foods. another thing that might help would be to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

Answer 9

I have something that sounds similar, I get a feeling like I've been punched in the chest. I looked up "Sternum pain" online and It sounds like a hiatial hernia, where after you eat, the top of your stomach pushes up into your chest. I have yet to go to the doctor, though. does this sound like the feeling you get?Mine feels better if I stand on my head. I know it sounds wierd, but it works.

Answer 10

Drink a gallon of beer and eat about twenty six donuts deep fried of course then hang yourself upside down from a tree in the garden and get your little brother to keep punching you in the belly until the sun goes down.
It works every time.