There is a sensation of a foreign body in the middle of the chest below the breasts and difficulty breathing?
Hello Dr.
Yang, I have had gastrointestinal issues since childhood, often experiencing diarrhea.
I also have a history of obesity.
Over the past two months, I frequently wake up suddenly after falling asleep post-dinner, experiencing palpitations and a rapid heartbeat.
Occasionally, I have difficulty sleeping due to stomach pain.
Recently, I noticed tiny fresh blood clots in my stool, but I previously had an examination that indicated internal hemorrhoids due to prolonged sitting on the toilet, so I thought it was just a rupture of the hemorrhoids.
For the past three days, whenever I lie flat at night, my stomach feels strange but not painful, and I have difficulty breathing, which results in poor sleep throughout the night.
In the morning, I wake up feeling nauseous, even though I had dinner the night before around 7 PM and went to bed after midnight.
During the day at work, I also feel nauseous after meals, and riding my bike home from work exacerbates the feeling of difficulty breathing.
Thank you, Dr.
Yang, for your patience in reading and responding.
Miss Zhou, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/06
Dr. Yang Zhichao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Ms.
Chou, your condition is likely due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
I recommend weight loss, increased physical activity, and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, please consult a gastroenterologist for an evaluation and to arrange for an endoscopy.
Thank you for your inquiry.
Reply Date: 2024/01/06
More Info
The symptoms you are experiencing, including the sensation of a foreign body in your throat, breathing difficulties, and gastrointestinal issues, can be indicative of several underlying conditions, particularly related to the gastrointestinal tract. Given your history of gastrointestinal problems, including frequent diarrhea and a tendency toward obesity, it is essential to consider the interplay between these factors and your current symptoms.
Firstly, the sensation of a foreign body in the throat, often referred to as globus sensation, can be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to irritation and inflammation. This can cause a feeling of tightness or discomfort in the throat, which may be exacerbated when lying down, as gravity no longer helps keep the stomach contents in place. The fact that you experience this sensation more acutely when lying down suggests that your symptoms may be related to reflux.
Breathing difficulties can also be linked to gastrointestinal issues. For instance, if you are experiencing significant acid reflux, the acid can irritate the airways, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or a feeling of tightness in the chest. Additionally, anxiety and stress, which can accompany gastrointestinal distress, may further exacerbate feelings of breathlessness.
Your mention of heart palpitations and feelings of anxiety after meals could also be related to a condition known as postprandial syndrome, where symptoms arise after eating due to the body’s response to digestion. This can include increased heart rate and discomfort, which may be mistaken for more severe cardiac issues. However, given your gastrointestinal history, it is more likely that these symptoms are related to digestive problems rather than a primary cardiac condition.
The presence of blood in your stool, even if it is minor, should not be overlooked. While you have attributed it to hemorrhoids, it is crucial to ensure that there are no other underlying issues, such as gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers or other sources. Regular check-ups and possibly a colonoscopy may be warranted to rule out any serious conditions, especially given your family history of gastrointestinal diseases.
Your symptoms of nausea and the feeling of needing to vomit upon waking can also be linked to delayed gastric emptying or gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. This can lead to feelings of fullness, nausea, and discomfort, particularly after meals.
In terms of management, it is essential to adopt lifestyle changes that can help alleviate your symptoms. These may include:
1. Dietary Modifications: Avoiding spicy, fatty, or acidic foods that can exacerbate reflux. Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals can also help.
2. Weight Management: Since obesity can increase the risk of GERD and other gastrointestinal issues, working towards a healthier weight through diet and exercise can be beneficial.
3. Sleep Position: Elevating the head of your bed can help prevent nighttime reflux symptoms.
4. Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or cognitive behavioral therapy can help manage anxiety, which may be contributing to your symptoms.
5. Medical Evaluation: Given the complexity of your symptoms, a thorough evaluation by a gastroenterologist is recommended. This may include endoscopy to assess for reflux, ulcers, or other gastrointestinal conditions.
In conclusion, while your symptoms may be interconnected, addressing them holistically through lifestyle changes, medical evaluation, and possibly medication can lead to significant improvement in your quality of life. It is crucial to keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider to ensure that all aspects of your health are being monitored and managed effectively.
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