I have GERD

The buildup is a defense mevhanism the body uses to protect the throat and other areas of the upper tract from the reflux. These areas are more sensitive to the reflux than lets say the rest of the food pipe. They become inflammed with the least bit of reflux. Wheezing,coughing,sensation of lump in throat,red and swollen with burning sensation are all symptoms of the reflux making its way in to the throat,voice box and bronchial regions.And yeah soft drinks can set it off especially if you drink them regularly. They along with xoffee did me.

Hi.

Not sure why you're on tetracycline. I would have expected you to have been prescribed a proton pump inhibitor to reduce the acid.

It does sound like the reflux element is your worst problem. If anything travelling up from the stomach into the oesophagus tube breaches the uppoer oesophageal sphincter, it irritates the respiratory linings which respons by producing excess mucous as a protection.

You will need to reduce your reflux by some lifestyle changes.

Lose weight if applicable, avoid tight clothing. Do not overfill your stomach - eat little and often. Leave at least 3 hours between your last meal and going to bed and raise the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches on blocks.

Hi Lynda

I Googled the name and found out it was also under the name Pantoprazole. More people will be familiar with this name. I was on it it for some time but now it doesn't go well with my heart medication. I am on Lansoprazole, but as you will find, these don't work all the time. I supplement it with Gaviscon Advance when the pain becomes unbrearable. Another thing you can try is a small amount of bicaronate of soda in a drop if warm water and sip it slowly. Sometimes this will make you burp and give some relief. Try and identify the foods which start you off (easier said than done) as sometimes it just doesn't happen and other times it does). As Barratts said, eat small meals often rather than a big meal and no tight clothes, Hope all the info will help you cope with it. It is NOT fun, I know.

Regards, Val.