Chest Pain

[Hiawatha]

I am gluten sensitive and I have eosinophilic esophagitis. I ate a meal about five weeks ago that led to a strong reaction (diarrhea) later that night. I'm guessing the restaurant got it wrong and the meal probably contained gluten and/or dairy. Since that time, I've experienced a lot of gas/bloating and discomfort. A few days ago, I also felt tightening of my throat (no stuck food).

My doctor prescribed two weeks of Budesonide. Within a day, my throat felt a bit better. I just started Budesonide yesterday.

However, I still feel this pressure on the left side of my chest after eating. I'm guessing it is trapped gas. The sensation waxes and wanes but it started with that meal five weeks ago.

I'm scheduled to see an integrative doctor in a few weeks but I'm wondering what I should do until then. Maybe just wait it out? I've read this may be related to digestive enzymes but would one meal have such a strong impact like this? Please let me know if you have thoughts/suggestions.

 

[knitty kitty]

Hello, @Hiawatha, 

Improving ones posture while eating can help us swallow less air while eating.  Sit up straight, both feet on the floor.  Sitting hunched over with a rounded back traps more air.  And chew your food well!  Thirty chews for each bite of food.  Our moms were right!

To help trapped gas after eating, try standing on tip toes and let your heels drop with a little thud.  It helps move gas bubbles up and out, like burping a baby.  

Leaning to the left side straightens out the esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine.  This allows trapped air to exit easily.  

Consider reducing the amount of carbohydrates in each meal.  Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth can produce excessive gas as the bacteria digest excess carbohydrates.    

I chose a carbohydrate free diet for several weeks to starve out my SIBO.  If you change what you eat, the intestinal bacteria change.  

Digestive enzymes like DAO supplements may help you, too.  Diamine Oxidase (DAO) supplements provide digestive enzymes that help.  Some people find increasing the acidity of the stomach by taking a small drink of Apple Cider Vinegar in warm water helpful.  

I'm so glad to hear you're feeling a bit better!  I'm cheering you on!  

Edited February 13, 2024 by knitty kitty
Typo correction

[Hiawatha]

Thank you Knitty Kitty. I started taking Budesonide three days ago. I woke up each night gasping for breath (one time each night). My mouth was very dry. My doctor said to stop taking it until I see the GI doctor again later this month.

I have ongoing bloating and chest discomfort. I'm wondering if I should stop the probiotic for a while too. I'm taking Dr. Mercola's Probiotic. I've been taking it for about ten days but I know they can sometimes cause gas. I just want my system to settle a bit.

I'm also still scheduled to see an integrative doctor on March 14th. I'm hoping he will test my microbiome.

[Hiawatha]

I guess I just took Budesonide two days. My throat is less tight but the experiences at night were definitely unpleasant. I'm guessing it was caused by the steroid. I didn't take it yesterday and slept ok last night.