Bob (Naples, Idaho) on 04/14/2010:
Since last November, five months, I have had a non-productive cough that would not go away, mucus in the throat and generally felt 'half a bubble off' all the time. I thought it must be a cold or the flu, maybe strep throat. A friend thought it could be a heart problem.I avoid doctors, but did go for the first time in four years about three weeks ago. The Doc checked me over and informed me I had acid flux. Not sure if he could tell...I thought he was crazy. Even so, I took the samples of Kapidex. He said to come back in two weeks and if that works we'll get you on something cheaper. Well, I had no intention of getting on anything. I did take the Kapidex for about ten days. Still not believing his diagnosis completely I did a lot of reading on the internet and started several home remedies. Apples and apple cider vinegar seemed to help the most.
About six, seven days ago I chanced upon a connection between Ibuprofen and acid reflux. A follow up search showed a ton of people were developing acid reflux after taking Ibuprofen. One site had nine pages of posts from all kinds of people with the same story.
I had been taking Ibuprofen for a couple years for SI joint pain, 600mg every other night. The anti-inflammatory effect would allow that joint to shift back and it worked as a sleep aide. I knew it could cause stomach problems and was alert for that. Never had even a hint of stomach problem.
With this new info I stopped taking Ibuprofen about a week ago. In the morning I felt lousy and the SI joint was out big time. The following day was worse. Last Monday I got up feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. About three that afternoon I began to feel better and I was able to get the SI back in place. Tuesday I felt like a new person. My guess is I have just gone through withdrawal. The acid reflux is nearly gone. I just hope there is no permanent damage.
Here's the point of this story: Maybe I didn't read the label well enough. I had no idea Ibuprofen use could result in acid reflux. I never had 'stomach upset' problems and I don't recall seeing 'heartburn' listed though now I see it is listed last as a side effect. Should have been listed first! Even if I had known that, I didn't know that a dry cough and mucus with no fever are symptoms of acid reflux. The truth is in many cases, maybe most, the first side effect that manifests is heartburn. Apparently there are a large number of people in the same boat. I thought Ibuprofen was a God send...actually it's dangerous stuff to be taking. I did it on my own, but in many cases a doctor prescribes that much or more.
I wish someone had told me to watch out for a cough and mucus because that is acid reflux and acid reflux is often the first nasty side effect you will notice from over use of Ibuprofen. And you will be going through withdrawal after long time use when you quit. Or maybe 'do not take for more than a week or two, even if a doctor tells you it's ok'. It's not ok.
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Andrew (Okc, Ok) on 09/18/2009:
When I was 12-15 years old, I was prescribed ibuprofen for what was diagnosed as "rheumatoid arthritis" from overuse of my shoulders. I was actually told by my doctor that it would "fix" it. Being a kid, I didn't know any better and just swallowed pill after pill per the instructions of the doctor. I was given prescriptions for 800 mg Ibuprofen to be taken twice daily. I was provided no advice on therapy and no other instructions other than to take it with food if it was bothering my stomach.At age 18, I began continuous reflux. Despite following the general template for advice that GI doctors provide, I showed NO improvement.
I also have tried apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, and digestive enzymes with no success.
I began weaning myself off proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for the past year but I still have to take a 20 mg dose every 3rd day.
Now there is actual clinical data that supports D.O. theories of PPI side effects. PPI causes dependency so I'm now weaning off with Ranitidine 75-150 mg a day to extend the period of PPI intake intervals.
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Ren (New York, Ny) on 08/31/2009:
I have had a lump in my throat for about 4 months now and have some discomfort at my sternum (where the sphincter is in your stomach). I have been taking many brands of medications for reflux and nothing helped. I am a healthy, active, slim individual in her 40's and in the past could eat anything including spicy foods. But for the past 4 months nothing would work until I started reading all of your recommedations for Apple Cider Vinegar. I thought it was a crazy idea but at this point I wanted to try anything to make this discomfort go away. And to my surprise this is the only thing that helped. Started helping the first day. Took two teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water 3 times a day. And now I read about the connection of Acid reflux to ibuprofen. I have been taking ibuprofen for migraines and sinus headaches for over 15 years now. Usually every other month. That is the only medication that works for my headache. Very scary thought that this may be the cause of my symptoms. It seems my symptoms and use of ibuprofen sounds like the rest of you. I will now look into other medications for my migraines. View Entire Thread
Chuck (Warner Robins, GA) on 12/23/2008:
I am just now finding out that I have acid reflux. I shattered 3 neck vertabrae and ruptured a disk in the thoracic area of my back. I was prescribed Lortab and 800mg Ibuprofin. I started feeling this constant urge to have to swallow about 2 yrs ago and felt like everytime I took my pills, it would get stuck in my throat. I was just diagnosed yesterday. Do you have any advice for me? Thank You.
New sufferer (Somewhere, USA) on 08/06/2008:
I've been doing the same as you and even taking Advil for headaches etc (to the point it was pretty much everyday). Then all this stuff started and no more. Anyhow, for cramps I got on birth control last year (nuvaring to be exact) and I LOVE IT! No cramps! View Entire Thread
Ross (Vancouver, BC Canada) on 06/14/2008:
I used Ibuprofin for at least 20 years ( Ate them like candy.Thought they were like crack for pain)Then I developed Reflux.Tried everything. Until I stopped taking any NSAIDS there was no respite.What has worked for me is boiled ginger root tea, strained and kept cool,after a meal.(3oz) This has really helped me and the reflux is now barely noticable.I now use tramadol and Tylenol for pain. ( I have diabetic neropathy (sp?) so I need some relief fror that). No connection with those painkillers, but definitely with Ibuprofin.
Kira (Los Angeles, California) on 06/06/2008:
Up until two months ago, I had never experienced acid reflux. I've spent almost 50 years eating almost nothing but chocolate, citrus and several cans of diet coke a day.I then developed a sudden onset of acid reflux attacks -- to the point that my throat was closing up, causing me real terror for about 48 hours as I struggled to breathe. I am writing to relate what I think may have caused the problem (which I now seem to have on a regular basis but less severely).I had minor cosmetic surgery that involved removing some of the "matrix fat" in my lower abdominal area. To put me to sleep for the surgery, I was given one Benedryl tablet. After the surgery, I had acid reflux -- although it remained mild and went away in a couple of weeks. I attributed the problem to the one Benedryl tablet. After the acid reflux went away, I thought maybe the Benedryl had been falsely accused. So I took a tablet to sleep one night, and the next day was fine. That night I took another Benedryl, and I had acid reflux the next day.
I stopped the Benedryl and was fine in about a week. I then had further cosmetic surgery and more matrix fat was removed from my abdomen. I took just one more Benedryl tablet for this surgery. The next day my throat was closing up and I've had daily acid reflux for 3 weeks now.
I am sure the Benedryl is part of the problem. I may also have been exposed to some bacterial infection in the doctor's office where both surgeries were performed under not overly sterile conditions (but then I've had plenty of surgeries in other doctors' offices with no problem re it not being very sterile). I'm just saying its possible I was exposed to some acid reflux causing bacteria in this doctor's office. It's also possible that the removal of the matrix fat itself somehow removed some sort of protective hormone in this fat -- just a theory.
I've also noticed that eating Flan seems to badly trigger the acid reflux (although I ate the same Flan constantly up until I took the Benedryl for the first time without a problem).
Jack (Mosier, Oregon) on 05/21/2008:
I have been using ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) for acid reflux for over 2 years. I started having reflux after I had a sore foot and was prescribed 600 mg of Ibuprofin 3 x daily. prior to that time I could eat anything. After a couple of weeks of the large dose of Ibuprofin I could not eat anything without severe Reflux. After using antacids for a long time I tried 2 TBS. per 8oz ACV to Water 1/2 hour prior to eating. It worked better than all of the antacids to releive the symptoms and the reflux slowly went away.
Jen (Paramus, NJ) on 03/29/2008:
I have had symptoms of GERD for about 4 months-coughing, lump in the throat, terrible sore throats, etc. I can't pinpoint what the cause of it is. I have noticed though, that when I take aspirin -Excedrin, for several days in a row, my symptoms act up. Since I suffer from migraines and sinus headaches, Excedrin (2 pills) would be the only relief for me. I also thought back to when my symptoms of GERD began. Doctors had put me on rounds of antibiotics. When one didnt work, they prescribed another-several times. Again, I was taking aspirin during the same time as well. I truly believe there is a connection between the 2. Now Im hoping to find a natural cure, as I sit here typing and my throat's on fire! =/ I think Ill give the ACV a try.
Margaret (South Bend, Indiana) on 03/17/2008:
In response to the acid reflux/ibuprofen link. I was a regular user of advil cold sinus during the fall to help with sinus headaches. I have suffered from reflux off and on for 5-7 years. I also am curious about a possible antibiotic link. I was prescribed tetracyclene in the 70's for acne. I took it for at least a year. In 1996 I was prescribed another cyclene antibiotic and it really bother my stomach.
Kathleen (Fernley, Nevada) on 02/25/2008:
I worked in Gastroenterology for years and GERD is not neccesarily caused by Ibuprofen.' People who get stomach ulcers (caused by the bacteria, helicobacter Pylori, a corkscrew bacteria that burrows into the stomach and causes the nasty ulcers) are advised not to take IBUPROFEN, Aspirin, and any other Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, because they thin the blood, and cause the ulcer to bleed. H.Pylori is easily cured with a triple antibiotic regime (which is quite uncomfortable, but it does work). As for GERD, it is mostly caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol and over eating, and having a hiatal hernia contributes as well. I am all for natural cures, However, they may just mask the symptoms.
My husband never had heart-burn. He Had a gastroscopy for stomach problems which was Gastritis, and it was discovered then, that he had damage to his esophagous.
Interestingly our Endoscopy Suite, we found that people with symptons of pain and burning had less Barret's, because they usually sought treatment before damage occurred.
My husband has been on Protonix since he was 53 years old (he is now 66)and over the years, protecting his esophagous with Protonix, his Barrett's is actually healing.
He must have a Gastroscopy every 2 years, to keep track of this condition, as Barrett's Syndrome (caused by acid reflux into the esophagous which changes the esophageal lining from normal to that of the stomach)is abnormal and is a pre-cancerous condition because stomach lining doesn't belong in the esophagous.
For people who have non-healing Barrett's or excruciatingly painful GERD, there is a procedure called Nissan Fundiplication that has been helpful. Look for a G.I. or General Surgeon who has done many of these procedures and ask if he will talk to previous NF patients that would be willing to talk to you, about their results. Hope this Helps.
Kathryn (Stuttgart, Germany) on 01/27/2008:
My husband and I suffer from headaches (bad ones). In 1995 he introduced me to ibuprofen, which greatly helped his headaches, and mine too.' He had been taking it for headaches for several years. In 2000, he thought he was having a heart attack, and went to the hospital. There, after many tests, they determined it was reflux. Two years later, I too, turned up with mild reflux. A few years later, we figured out that ibuprofen relaxes muscles, can cause constipation as well as relaxing the LES stomach valve and causing GERD. We very rarely use ibuprofen now, but still suffer from reflux problems. Orange peel/orange peel extract helps, as well as using a 2-week prilosec treatment when needed. Coffee is poison for me now! I try to keep away from coffee so I can drink wine now and then.
Lisa (New Jersey, United States) on 01/23/2008:
I have been suffering with acid reflex for about three weeks now.' I am 46, in good health, trim and eat a fairly balanced diet. I do indulge in sweets occasionally and have three or four cocktails on the weekends. I have never had gastric issues, never had heartburn, not even with my two pregnancies. Early in December I had a nasty spill on the ice and landed directly on my tail bone. For the pain I was prescribed Hydrocodone with ibuprofen. I took about 10 pills out of thirty, but did not continue because I didn't like the way it made me feel. I continued with basically round the clock doses of advil instead. My suspicion is that my reflux is due to heavy ibuprofen use. I am now taking Prilosec OTC. I have been on it for a week and have noticed only a slight improvement. I also have a very annoying lump feeling in my throat that comes and goes. If anyone has had a similar experience what have they used and is this a temporary sort of situation or is it possible that this is an issue I will always have to deal with?
donna (atlantic beachl, fl) on 01/11/2008:
hi' have had acid reflux for a number of years until the last few months i was an avid ibruprfin user taking 1600 miligrams a day for a knee problem. The last few weeks has been pure hell for me. backup on my esophgus, where at tines have to try and get it up.. A feeling of peanut butter in my throat, mucus all the time.. have been taking previcid to no avail, now have double op on a new medication aciflex, watching my diet.. doctor will do the endoscopy to see if i may have caused some damage to the esophogus or stomach.
Ginny (Marion, SC, USA) on 12/30/2007:
GERD. Thanks for the info on your site.' Two weeks ago, I had a tooth extracted and ended up with a dry socket. I was given 1000 mg of erithimicin per day. This was the beginning of my troubles. After two days, I decided to stop and I started taking 3 ibupropins for the pain, 2x per day. A few days later, I was in so much pain, I thought I was going to have to call 911. I finally made myself throw up (6x) and I got some relief. I can see now that I was poisoning myself. Now I know what not to do! Thanks!
Bev (Elroy, WI) on 12/13/2007:
I had been treated with zithromax for pneumonia but what seemed to trigger the severe, sudden onset of reflux was taking 200mg of ibuprofen twice within the week for pain in my neck during that time.' The ibuprofen caused a gastric ulcer since I had been on periodic courses of prednisone earlier for acute asthma which resolved after seven weeks of antibiotics. When I got the pneumonia I had no asthma but a high fever, fatigue and pain in the neck. Steroids can cause ulcers but I didn't think the effect would last that long as I was not taking any at the time. I woke up choking at night with reflux and started protonix. Stopped after about one year and since use digestive enzymes, honey, camomile, ACV with baking soda. Caution: Prevacid ia a fluoridated medication. Along with the reflux, I began severe hypothyroid symptoms I believe caused by Diflucan and Advair which are both fluoridated. Have been doing the borax detox twice a week and have reduced thyroid medication from 3 1/2 to 2 1/2 gr Armour.
Sherry (Wyckoff, NJ) on 12/08/2007:
I found this very interesting.' I was recently taking percocet for a horribly painful episode of sciatica. I've just stopped taking it in the past couple of days, but suddenly I have (the past couple of days) the worst case of acid reflux I've ever had. It's so bad I've been searching the web for some solutions. Right now EVERYthing I eat seems to give me terrible acid. I completely believe that pain killers can do this to us.
Grace (Chicago, Illinois) on 12/01/2007:
I was baffled as to why all of a sudden for the past month I was suffering from severe Acid Reflux. Granted I've had various gastro-related problems (inherited IBS) and not ever exactly a person with a cast iron stomache, the Acid Reflux was entirely new. In fact, it started when I ended up in the emergency room with severe chest pains (feared it was the heart). I was prescribed Nexium and told it was Acid Reflux. I'm in my late thirties, slender and in good shape, a recent mom, and practice a healthy diet. I hate sodapop and most junk food, all with the exception of coffee and green tea, which I was drinking heavily. But while suffering rather severe throat pain and heavy acidity in my mouth recently, I was cutting down my caffeine intake and eating smaller portions of food... without much change. I'm trying the ACV and baking soda for relief... I'll report on its effectiveness soon, I hope! But going back to when this all started, I have to say I began taking Ibuprofen rather regularly (daily) for about 2 months for pain from a slip and fall accident prior to the Acid Reflux problem. For me anyway, there is definately a correlation. I plan to put the Ibuprofen away possibly for good!
adri (el paso, tx) on 11/21/2007:
hello, i have migrains and i have taken so manny pills for this and different brands that i have lost count. recently i have been noticing that when i eat. i get a pain in my stomach right inbetween my brest.where the mouth of the stomach is, this has been going on for about 2 months or a bit longer, but not that bad. recently this past week i have been awaken by a pain so intence in the same spot. and to sleep on my stomach is so painfull. well to make the story short I was reading through peoples comments, about pills, and have realized that I am a hevy user of advil. advil dose wonders for my migrains. i usually take anywhere from 2-3 camp. at a time. about everyother day. my question is has anybody experienced this problem with the pain on the stomach after using advil?
patricia (Sunnyvale, Californai) on 11/14/2007:
I believe what initially caused my acid reflux was from taking my favorite painkiller ibuprofen for many years. Read the warning label, it will cause stomach problems later down the road. It wasn't until a doctor told me to stop taking it that I my symptoms subsided. Foods containing oil have the worst affect on me. I have been modifying what foods I eat to relieve the symptoms and continue to look for a natural remedy. Pleaes be aware of taking IBUPROFEN, I think it is what slowly ruined my stomach years ago.
Patricia (USA) on 11/14/2007:
I just sent a message and forgot to mention the name brand for ibuprofen - it is ADVIL. I think this painkiller is what initially caused my acid reflux. Took it in my 20's & 30's for headaches, maybe once every 2-3 weeks I think. At least every month!
Janelle (Pensacola, Florida) on 11/05/2007:
I am 19. I have had heart burn on and off (mostly on!) since I was 11. I would go through bottles of tums and rolaids with little relief. For a year or so, it all went away. But recently, I have gained about 15 lbs (yet still not overweight), I have injured my shoulder and have been taking 800mg of Mortin... my heartburn is uncontrollable. I am sick to my stomach, nausous and have a constant sore throat. Nothing seems to help. Thats why I started searching for something that would releave me of this pain. I am going to try the ACV recipe and I'll let ya'll know how it goes!
Wendy (Spanaway, WA) on 11/04/2007:
I began suffering severe acid reflux and heartburn two weeks ago.' My doctor prescribed prilosec which only worked for five days. He then prescribed nexium which works better but I am still supplementing with maalox. After reading the above, I realize that my symptoms could have been caused by my recent reliance on tylenol pm to treat the insomnia associated with quitting smoking. I am also a diet cokeaholic. I will definitly reduce both and see if the symptoms subside.
Cynthia Mishoe (Thomasville, NC) on 11/02/2007:
I was recently told I have GERD.' I do take ibuprophen alot, but after reading this I can tell you not anymore. I quit taking their perscribed medication today and now am taking Apple Cider Viniger. Sounds like I need to be taking a few other things also from reading this.
Vickie (WEST BEND, Wisconsin) on 10/10/2007:
i had double bunion surgery, my doctor gave me percocet for my pain, the percocet was to strong and gave me terrible side effects, so my doctor told me that i could take acetaminiphen with the ibuprophen, within two days or so i was in so much stomach pain that i couldnt lay in my bed that i was sleeping in an upright position on my couch, i woke my husband, crying in severe pain begging him to take me to the emergency room, because i thought i had stomach cancer or something. i found out that it was acid reflux and i never had it before using the ibuprofen i was shocked that my doctor would tell me to take something that would harm my body,as of now i have very little respect for doctors.' even after this i still suffer from the acid reflux and have been on medication for years.
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