Indigestion and chest pain

[MikeQ]

Indigestion/acid reflux seems to hit me every dive.
Two days of three dives each day had me belching and tightening up on the final dive of the weekend.
My sixth dive was weak and distracted by the burning chest pain and spitting up burning mucus.
I pulled up and rested at ten feet rather than fighting thru but felt I should not have even continued diving the second day.
Had I to do it again, and luckily I will, I would have rested on the boat at least after two dives of second day.
I think I could have easily started vomiting and created an emergency situation.
All dives shallow. 15-40 ft. Depth does not seem to matter.
Other divers write the indigestion and acid reflux off as a normal occurrence from time to time.
I have an appointment with my GP Dr. and cardiologist just in case.
Any experiences similar to this?
Thanks.

 

[TSandM]

You don't give nearly enough information to advise you -- age, weight, medical history, family history, smoking history, other exercise tolerance? If you are in your 40's or older, consultation with a cardiologist would seen quite prudent. If cardiac causes of your symptoms are ruled out, I'd look at what and when you eat, and what you drink, during your dive weekends.

 

[diverdoug1]

I agrees with TS&M re: ruling out cardiac issues (glad to see you are going to see your GP and cardiologist). A GI consult to look for esophageal changes caused by chronic GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease might be in order. Barrett's esophagitis and increased risk of esophageal cancer are two possible results of untreated GERD. To answer your question directly, I have had similar experiences if I dive too soon after drinking acidic fruit juices (feels like hot lava).

 

[inventor]

I have acid reflux and I get heartburn, and even naseau each time I dive. So do several experienced divers I know. Not giving medical advice, other than stay doctored up. Just saying in my small experience, and what I've been told by other divers, this is not unknown. So don't freak out, but see your docs soonest, and keep seeing them. The acid reflux for me even affects my asthma and voicebox. So keep with the treatment also. Keep diving!

 

[deaconbest]

Hi, my wife has the same problem - she's only 24 and in excellent physical shape, it just happens every now again.

The doctor prescribed "Raberprazole" (which is what it's called in Canada, I think the states maybe called "aciiphex" or something along those lines). It's worked fantastically and she very rarely has indigestion anymore.

Other than that, you could try to avoid any acidic foods before you dive. I personally find it worse on an empty stomach, and try to eat some arrowroots or crackers on the boat ride out to settle my stomach.

Best of luck to you!

 

[Steve50]

any chance you are swallowing air?

 

[MikeQ]

I am 54. Physically fit. I believe I aspirated acid into my lungs and felt constriction in ability to breathe. Lungs still a bit irritated and Albuterol opened them up immediately. Don't believe air swallowing is factoring in but will note that possibility. Pre-dive diet, (skip the coffee and o.j.!) Prilosec, ongoing self monitoring and Drs. opinions all being applied. On the GERD watch. Thanks.

 

[TSandM]

If Albuterol was helpful, I would DEFINITELY seek medical consultation.