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A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Yazoo City, MS

Not sure if i have esophagitis or not ..i been dealing with bad acid reflux i been eating but today i woke up and i could barely swallow .feels like my esophagus is irrited because i been spitting alot too .im kind of scared i make have to get a endoscopy done .

July 14
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A MyLupusTeam Member

I have bad acid reflux and because all the medications I take, I have to take Nexium. It helps so much. I would be hurting and nauseous otherwise. It really helps me. I tried other acid reflux meds but Nexium works best for me. Please try to find whatever helps you best.

July 14
MyLupusTeam

That sounds really uncomfortable and scary β€” waking up barely able to swallow is definitely something to take seriously. With lupus, swallowing difficulties (called dysphagia) are more common than many people realize, affecting up to 13% of people with lupus.

The acid reflux you've been experiencing could absolutely be Show Full Answer

That sounds really uncomfortable and scary β€” waking up barely able to swallow is definitely something to take seriously. With lupus, swallowing difficulties (called dysphagia) are more common than many people realize, affecting up to 13% of people with lupus.

The acid reflux you've been experiencing could absolutely be contributing to the irritation. In lupus, the muscles of the esophagus can become inflamed, which can loosen the valve between the esophagus and stomach, allowing stomach acid to cause damage over time. It's really important to contact your rheumatologist or doctor today given how sudden and severe this feels. They may want to investigate further, and yes, an endoscopy could help identify what's going on.

In the meantime, some things that may help with reflux-related irritation include:

- Eating smaller meals
- Staying upright after eating
- Avoiding trigger foods (spicy, acidic, fatty foods)
- Avoiding smoking
- Not taking any anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen on an empty stomach One important thing to be aware of β€” people with lupus who take corticosteroids or immunosuppressants have a higher risk of developing a fungal infection in the esophagus, which can also cause swallowing problems. This is another reason why getting checked out sooner rather than later is a good idea.

Don't wait on this one β€” reach out to your care team today. πŸ’™

July 14
A MyLupusTeam Member

I was doing something similar and I could barely keep food down felt like i was constantly gagging eventually my nephrologist who left referred me to a GTI specialist before he left for another part of the UK, my GTI specialist then sent to get a scan on my throat and stomach ofc they told me what I already knew I have severe GERD but what's been causing my issues aside from the GERD is that I have a hernia the size of a softball in my stomach that's been pushing my stomach to my chest that I am more than likely gonna have to have surgery on. She scheduled me for an endoscopy in October.

July 24
A MyLupusTeam Member

I pray that your symptoms have decreased and I pray that your restoration of health is happening . Love and blessings πŸ’•πŸ™πŸΎ

July 18
A MyLupusTeam Member

Sorry I missed this earlier, BG! I hope you feel better and that you can get the endoscopy done soon.

July 18

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