Barrett’s esophagus and coughing, choking and belching

Posted by hcollado @hcollado, Jun 22 8:06am

I was diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus (no dysplasia) in March. I also have had a small hiatal hernia for years. I’m on 40 mg famotidine 2x day, I’m allergic to ppi.
I find that I wake in the middle of the night chocking/coughing. My belching gets so bad that it can go on for 30 minutes at a time. I’ve changed my diet quite a bit but still haven’t found that magic spot.
My dr is only focused on the medicine and changing diet. Is this the gold standard and I just need to wait and see until I see them next year?

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eloise999 | @eloise999 | Jun 22 8:44am

Maybe you should see a nutritionist? Doctors don’t necessarily have a lot of training on diet and my personal experience with GERD was that finding the right diet took trial and error. With guidance, and tracking your response to foods you most likely will find out what makes you feel better. I hope you start feeling better soon.

hcollado | @hcollado | Jun 22 11:04am

Thank you

Janell, Volunteer Mentor | @jlharsh | Jun 22 7:53pm

@hcollado
You may be interested to check out another conversation about Barrett’s: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/newly-diagnosed-barretts-esophagus/

Also, what Mayo Clinic has to say about treatment that depends on the various levels of dysplasia: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/barretts-esophagus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352846

biga282 | @biga282 | Jun 23 7:55am

I’ve had Barrett’s for years. Suffered with badly with Gerd which is what caused it I guess. Stomach acid burns the esophagus. My Dr recommended 40mg of Omeprazole a day which helps considerably. No belching at night. I always eat 2-3 hours before bedtime never on a full stomach which causes my Gerd. If for some reason I’ll eat late I need to sleep on my back and not my side which also helps. You might be taking too much famotidine ? Get a second opinion. Best of luck !

hcollado | @hcollado | Jun 23 11:44am

Yeah, I’ve been thinking the same.
Thank you

cheryl46 | @cheryl46 | Jun 25 6:55pm

Is it reflux or bile you seem to choke on?
I only ask because you didn't mention whether or not you battle with GERD.
I have Achalasia as well as upper esophageal hypertension which is basically esophageal spasms in a much higher level.
My swallowing issue is mainly with liquid or very thin foods. If I don't cut myself off at least 4 hours prior to sleeping then that liquid (sits there due to spasm) will come back up and will cause me to choke and even aspirate into my lungs.
Not sure if any of this relates to you but I thought I'd share.

hcollado | @hcollado | Jun 25 7:58pm

I have no idea which, I’m asleep. I dream something is chocking me, it wakes me up because I am, then I start coughing like crazy.
I often throw up in my mouth and occasionally it is bile. I don’t have a gallbladder so I don’t know if that is why.