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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Yazoo City, MS

I have discomfort my chest when eating. Friday night i went to bed before that I drank some fruit punch ans it came back up in my esophagus it burned real bad .the next day I had acid reflux symptoms .it has calm dowm but Im having discomfort in my chest when swallowing food as well heartburn. I can swallow food but it hurts in my chest

July 5
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A MyLupusTeam Member

Praying for you. At night and during the day please lay off fruit juices. Juice has acid in it and it will burn. Try water with ginger in it. Juice also has a ton of sugar and we as Lupies and I am black too are prone to having diabetes. I would stay away from juice it just shoots your sugar sky high and will make you sick. Talk to your doctor about seeing a dietician. Low carbs may be best for you anti-inflamatory diet. Its hard but its doable and much more doable than a Renal diet. No one tells us these things about prevention and if they do we don't get it sometimes because of Lupus. Try ginger or fennel seed to your food at night. Ginger by far has helped manage my nerve pain and it also helps with dry mouth and GERD and its all natural. God bless.

July 5 (edited)
MyLupusTeam

What you're describing — burning in the esophagus, acid coming back up, heartburn, and chest discomfort when swallowing — sounds like it could be acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which is actually quite common in people with lupus.

Lupus can affect the esophagus and digestive system, and some lupus Show Full Answer

What you're describing — burning in the esophagus, acid coming back up, heartburn, and chest discomfort when swallowing — sounds like it could be acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which is actually quite common in people with lupus.

Lupus can affect the esophagus and digestive system, and some lupus medications like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, etc.) and steroids can make acid reflux worse. It's really important to bring this up with your rheumatologist soon, especially since the chest discomfort is continuing. In the meantime, here are some things that may help ease symptoms:

- Avoid trigger foods (spicy, citrus, tomato-based, sugary drinks)
- Eat smaller meals throughout the day
- Stay upright after eating — no lying down right after!
- Avoid smoking
- Ask your doctor about over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Pepcid

If you experience crushing chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or cold sweats, go to the emergency room immediately as these can be signs of something more serious.

Your rheumatologist may want to run some tests and could recommend prescription medications to protect your esophagus from further irritation.

July 5
A MyLupusTeam Member

I experience bad GERD, and I've had to change my nutrition a lot

July 11
A MyLupusTeam Member

Maybe ask your Dr. For Pantoprazole,this is what i take for mine.I think it works pretty good..Feel better soon.

July 6
A MyLupusTeam Member

BG, this symptom, called odynophagia (fancy word for pain with swallowing!) indicates esophagitis, or inflammation in the esophagus. It can be due to acid reflux damage, infection, or, less commonly, certain meds can inflame the esophagus if we don't drink enough water to move it through.

I would definitely use the reflux precautions outlined by AI, and you can try over-the-counter famotidine (Pepcid), but please see your doctor if it's not improving in the next few days. Acid reflux can trigger esophageal spasms, as @A MyLupusTeam Member mentions, but these don't tend to occur just when swallowing.

July 6

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