It's been 30 days since I cured my Gastroesophageal Reflux disease (GERD) because I went to a Otorhinolaryngologists (ENT) instead of a Gastroenterologist.
GERD is a lot of burping, a burning sensation in the chest and abdomen and an excessive amount of mucous masking as saliva that makes you cough a lot.
My GERD went away because an ENT doctor applies a topical nasal decongestant (phenylephrine) and numbing medicine to the lining of the nose prior to an endoscopy procedure.
A Gastroenterologist doesn't need a nasal decongestant because he inserts his endoscope in your mouth or your rectum.
It turns out you can get GERD when your sinuses are plugged.
You can read all about
Have Gastroesophageal Reflex (GERD) Don't Travel.
Now that I feel better I want to know whatreallycaused GERD.
Since a decongestant accidentally stopped the burning and belching then GERD must have something to do with "congestion."
Abraham Maslow developed a Model of our Hierarchy of Needs and number 1 is:
Biological and Physiological needs - air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex, sleep, etc.
Sleep is really high on my list and about a year ago I discovered Benadryl, an Allergy and Cold medication, helped me sleep.
People should be taking it to treat allergy related symptoms, not to sleep.
Drowsiness is a side effect, but like the huddled masses I was under the false impression over-the-counter means it's safe and the fine print on the package was too small for any of us to read.
Over-the-counter really means the side affects are so subtle you will have trouble suing the drug companies.
In the case of Benadryl, try and bring a lawsuit against Warner Lambert Consumer Healthcare for a drug that treats some for sinus congestion and others for the opposite, a runny nose.
Benadryl is a relatively "old" medication, approved before the United States Foods and Drug Administration (an agency of the pharmaceutical companies) required very detailed side effect information for medications.
Prescription Benadryl products disclose only vague side effects (with no specific percentages). Additionally, the non-prescription Benadryl products have almost no information about potential side effects listed on the label (as is standard with non-prescription products).
The most common side effects of Benadryl are thought to include:
- Sedation (a feeling of sleepiness and reduced anxiety)
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Coordination problems
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Thickening of bronchial secretions (chest mucus).
Other reported side effects include:
- Sensitivity to the sun
- Excessive sweating and/or chills
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Fatigue
- Restlessness, excitation, nervousness, or irritability
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Insomnia
- An unusual, pleasant feeling (euphoria)
- Unusual sensations, such as tingling or numbness
- A spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation Nasal stuffiness
- Early menstrual period.
Did you notice Thickening of bronchial secretions (chest mucus), Dry mouth, nose, or throat and of course Nasal stuffiness, aka CONGESTION is on the list?
I got GERD because I was taking Benadryl to sleep.
Robert Palmer is a local politician interested in learning about how liberals think. Robert can be reached at: canadianfrontier@gmail.com
