Do I have GERD or something else?

I believe I have GERD but I have noticed that it occurs when I eat beans (pinto or black), egg and drink beer. When I eat the foods that most people are saying to stay away from, I don't have any problems at all (chocolate, caffine, pizza, etc). Every now again I will try a bean burrito to see if it has gone away and it still has not.

The only way to get relief is to make myself throw up. Should I just avoid these items forever or is there something I can do about it? I hope there is because I love bean and cheese burritos and would love to be able to eat them again some day.

I am 30, male and I don't believe we have had any occurances in our family in the past. No, I have yet to try any of the over the counter options yet. I was reading through these posts trying to find the best one to try. I think I will try that next.

My throat feels like it swells up and that the food is just stuck there and is hard to breath. I end up burping a lot which only helps for a few seconds. I haven't gone to the doctor yet because they never seem to help me out with my problems. They tell me things I know already or things I try already.

You didn't give your age, race, weight, family history of GERD or ulcers, soooooooooooo it's kind of difficult to tell you that you do have gastroesophogeal reflux disease....Have you tried anything like OTC (over-the-counter) Zantac, Pepcid or the like (ranatiadine or cimteadine) prior to eating those burritos?? That's a pretty good way to tell.....They now sell prescription strength Zantac OTC, so you might want to try that.....If that doesn't do the trick, you need a referral from your primary care provider to see a Gastroenterologist.....Best of luck!!! BTW, you might also have a bacterial formed ulcer that can be knocked with a 2 week antibiotic treatment......But see a doctor about this problem......

Christopher

EDIT: Since you're having trouble swallowing and your "throat swells", I strongly urge you see your primary care provider ASAP......

You do not describe the symptoms. Do you have substernal pain, burning, reflux of acid into your mouth, nausea, what? You have made your own diagnosis, which may be dangerous. Why not see your doctor? A few simple tests may well tell the tale. Remember esophageal cancer can mimic some of the symptoms, especially of food seems to get stuck in the lower esophagus. Don't depend on YA to advise you on an undiagnosed illness.

I would ask you some questions if you were standing here, but since I can't, I will just try to give you some information.

First, if you can eat some of the spicy foods that would normally cause heartburn, then I would have to wonder if you truly have GERD. Here are some tips that may help you to enjoy your beans and beer more comfortably

1. Don't drink fluids with your meals or for at least an hour afterwards.
2. Eat "problem" items early in the evening and avoid filling your stomach too much.
3. Don't lie down after eating
4. Don't wear restrictive clothing
5. Chew really well

Beer may be an ongoing problem due to acidic nature of the beverage, carbonation, and possibly volume. Don't eat while you are drinking beer. Dont drink your beer and then go to bed.

If your symptoms persist, mention it to your doctor.