It seems everyone you talk to either HAS GERD or knows someone that does ---

After being treated for allergies with 3 shots a week for 2 years, my allergist retired and I went to see another doctor. Yes, I had allergies alright -- but the horrible cough and burning throat he felt was due to something else. I went to see a gastro doc, had the upper endoscopy done and sure enough - silent acid reflux - GERD. It was so bad that it had scarred my vocal cords and esophagus.

He put me on protonex 2x a day and 300 mg of zantac at night. It helped for awhile, but I still had to pop rolaids several times a day and night. I can't eat fruit or soft drinks - anything with citric acid and even if I take a drink of water - it seems to churn the acid up and I start coughing terribly.

For the last few weeks my throat has hurt/burned so bad I thought I was coming down with a cold (my colds usually start with a sore throat) but it looks like the GERD is acting up again. Guess it's time to call the doc