Acid reflux causing Obama's sore throat

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE

BETHESDA, Md. (AP) — Acid reflux is responsible for the sore throat President Barack Obama has complained about for the past couple of weeks, the White House said Saturday, shortly after the president returned from undergoing diagnostic tests at a nearby military hospital.

Obama's motorcade made the approximately half-hour crawl in rainy weather to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where a CT scan was performed and was normal. Obama, 53, was at the facility for about a half hour before returning to the White House.

The CT scan followed a morning fiber optic exam performed on Obama at the White House by an ear, nose and throat specialist from Fort Belvoir Medical Center in Northern Virginia and supervised Dr. Ronny L. Jackson, Obama's physician and director of the White House Medical Unit.

Jackson said in a statement that the fiber optic exam revealed "soft tissue swelling" in the back of Obama's throat. Jackson said he and the specialist, who was not identified, determined that "further evaluation with a routine CT scan was prudent."

FULL story at link.



In this Friday, Dec. 5, 2014 photo, President Barack Obama listens in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington as Ashton Carter speaks during the announcement of Carter for defense secretary. The White House says President Barack Obama is getting some medical tests at a military hospital just outside Washington after complaining of a sore throat. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20141206/us--obama-b8cfa2df8b.html

[jmowreader]

1. With all the shit the Republicans have been putting him through, acid reflux is understandable

[MADem]

38. +1! nt

[Orrex]

2. Our second son had that in the weeks following birth

I guess this explains why Obama has been so colicky lately.

[drm604]

3. Omeprazole. 40mg once a day.

At least that's how mine is being treated. And don't eat right before bed.

[Omaha Steve]

7. I've been on the same dose for a little over 2 years

Works good.

[drm604]

11. And if I miss a dose I know it.

"Acid reflux" sounds sort of harmless, like "indigestion", but it can be extremely unpleasant and can cause serious health issues over time.

[Release The Hounds]

18. Been 10 years for me

thanks to a stressful job. Works 98% of the time.

[MADem]

40. I'd try the 'don't eat before bedtime' and 'use a wedge pillow to keep the head elevated.'

Go to the meds as a last resort!

[Feral Child]

55. For minor cases

that treatment can help. It often gets progressively worse and medical care is needed.

It's dangerous to ignore it. As awful as waking up choking on a mouthful of bile is, the unseen damage to the esophagus can be life-threatening. That nasty bile erodes the tissues of the esophagus causing ulcers and scarring.

I've learned through my own attempts at self-healing of this and other conditions that common-sense cures should always be approved by a medical specialist.

My duodenal ulcers and acid-reflux began during chemo/rad. The result of stubbornly trying to self-cure my chronic constipation until the tumor was too large to ignore.

Luckily, I survived and the ileostomy I had to endure was temporary. My doctor was able to reverse it after 4 months of healing.

No disrespect intended, MAdem, but any advice by a lay person should always have the phrase "after consulting your physician" included.


It is a shameful truth that in this incredibly wealthy country medical care isn't available to all.

[jen63]

63. Untreated GERD is one of the major

causes of cancer of the esophagus. It needs to be treated aggressively and as soon as possible.

[Feral Child]

70. The connection with cancer

Last edited Mon Dec 8, 2014, 09:46 AM - Edit history (1)

is generally accepted by the medical community (to the best of my knowledge). I agree that a cautious approach and medical assessment is an absolute necessity.

[Paula Sims]

77. My friend of 30 years died from ignored reflux

turned out it was a pre-cursor to esophageal cancer. Kept pushing the Tums & other stuff and by the time he had trouble swallowing, he was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. Didn't want to go to the doctor because they're nothing more than "pill pushers".

Still miss him terribly (died this past January) but "heartburn" is nothing to ignore. . .

[jen63]

80. It sure isn't.

I read an article by a gastroenterologist who said that it didn't matter how many Prilosec you needed to stop the burn, that it was imperative to stop it. I can get heartburn drinking a glass of water. I take a Prilosec every morning whether I need it or not. I know at some point during the day the burn will show up unless I take it. Chronic is different than "I had Italian food last night." The vinegar thing, yeah right, can't get more acidic than that. Ridiculous.

I'm very sorry about your friend. I'll bet you do miss him. Something that so easily could have been taken care of. So sorry!

[Feral Child]

85. Very sad.

As I mentioned, I ignored a problem at the other end of the GI tract and luckily survived my butt-cancer. Spent a miserable two years curing it and the ancillary conditions from the treatment.

Flagyl-resistant C diff, MRSA my system couldn't fight because my immune system was compromised by chemo/rad. Surgical adhesions every time I went under the knife, including the surgeries to correct the adhesions.

Three times I dropped from my normal/recovered weight of 180 down to 140. Incredible pain, debilitating vomiting/diarrhea. Near-fatal dehydration.

Even curable cancers take an immense toll and I'll never regain all the strength I lost.

Sorry for your loss, Paula.

[MADem]

66. I agree 100 % with everything you said. But I got this advice from a doctor, so I'm on solid

ground, I think. Not all acid reflux is a result of something that's ongoing and likely to get worse--it could be he's been having some rude cabernet with his supper lately that isn't sitting well, or he's sneaking around on his wife's healthy menu, and instead ate some spicy or greasy foods that he's been craving that tasted good but is having a bad effect on his belly. Or maybe it's a temporary physical reaction to stress (and he's been under some of that lately). Or maybe he's back on the ciggies after a vacation with patches and gum--that can cause the reflux response. Gotta put down the butts, POTUS!

If he tries the wedge pillow, and it solves the problem, then hurrah, hurrah--no need to take pills. Maybe do that in concert with laying off the tobacco...?

I believe in an incremental approach to anything that isn't dire or life-threatening. No one has said that he's gonna die from this or that it's the end of the world. And I'm not worried about POTUS getting access to medical care. There's an MD and associated helpers who can handle pretty much any dire event "in" the WH 24/7.

I don't care for "prescription pad happy" doctors who take a cut from Big Pharma and use the Rx as a substitute for explaining to a patient how to manage an illness. I don't go for this enthusiasm to "go to" antibiotics as a first line of defense against things like colds or flu, either. Let one's own immune system have a crack at repelling the invaders--rest, plenty of liquids, an OTC pain reliever if needs must, etc. and only bring in the Big Guns if no progress is made. That's a responsible approach, I think, and most who aren't taking a kickback from the pharmaceutical companies would agree with me.

[Feral Child]

69. No arguments with this post.

All good common sense. +, I doubt Obama can dodge the medicos anyway. I'm sure that his doctors count his bowel movements and get a report if he gets up to pee at night.

Also I specifically agree that doctors who act like drug company reps should be avoided like the plague they are.

[jen63]

73. Prilosec is over the counter.

Takes care of GERD pretty darn well.

[Feral Child]

86. That may give symptomatic relief, but doesn't treat

the underlying cause. Something causes it; sometimes it isn't a matter for concern but often it's a symptom of an otherwise unnoticed but dangerous condition.

[jen63]

88. It turns off over active acid

production which leads to GERD.

[Feral Child]

93. Understood

but something is causing that over-production. As you say, it might well be genetic, but unless you have medical training you should consult someone that does.

I don't mean to harp, but this is a sore (yep, I intended the pun) subject with me. I was a healthy animal until I wasn't and my problem could have been cured much sooner and easier. If I'd been stubborn much longer (and I was obstinate) it would have affected the lymph nodes and spread throughout my system.

I would have died, after a lengthy, painful, and futile treatment.

OK, I'll quit nagging now. I've enjoyed the chat.

[jen63]

89. I believe much of chronic hearburn

is genetic. My father suffers and had an ulcer as a young father. My grandfather also. I have inherited the "too much acid gene" I believe. I'll stop it any way I can. It's a miserable condition, day in and day out, no matter how careful you are with diet and raising pillows. None of which have ever worked for me. I love food and want to enjoy life. If a prilosec a day takes care of it, I don't have a bit of a problem with it. Rarely do I have to take more than one.

[Feral Child]

91. Glad you've found relief, but

I hope you've seen a doctor about it. OTCs are fine medicines sometimes and a doctor may well recommend it, but you should exclude an underlying condition other than heritage.

[jen63]

92. Yes, I've had the usual tests.

My stomach just produces too much acid. My dad's ulcer was treated with dairy in the 60s which is one of the worst things you can do for ulcers. My grandfather just completely ignored his symptoms until he was vomiting blood. He was lucky to live, he lost so much.

[Feral Child]

94. Very glad to hear that

and very glad the condition isn't more severe.

[jen63]

95. Thanks!

[mahina]

64. Counterintuitive, but naturally fermented sauerkraut helps.

Solves the problem. n=3 but 100% of the tiny sample agree!

[LisaL]

68. I took protonix for about six months.

[leftymon]

4. Bile is definately the problem.

[hopemountain]

5. are you a doctor?

because if you are, you can't spell for shit.

[Earth_First]

9. A little uncalled for...

Try a little decency in your responses.

Be well...

[Cha]

23. Actually, hopemountain was just pointing out a fact.. more "decency" than "Bile is definately the

problem.".. from the resident "doctor".

[leftymon]

10. The grammar police have shown up...

My hands are up....

[unblock]

17. whereas, if he's *not* a doctor, he *can* spell for shit?

[SoapBox]

19. I'm not a doctor...

But many times I seem to know more than them.

[Cha]

27. I think maybe the poster is just using the President's sore throat to spew a cheap pot shot.. if

she were a dr.. she wouldn't be a very good one.. diagnosing blindly.

[KMOD]

32. I was going to respond in defense of the poster,

the pot shot went over my head.

[Cha]

34. Not mine.. :(

[KMOD]

37. Oh, I see it clearly now.

One of my downsides is expecting the best of people.

But once I read your post, it clicked, and I deleted my response.

It was subtle, but I see it now.

[Cha]

39. Mahalo KMOD

[LiberalElite]

57. One way to tell for sure if someone's a doctor -

bad handwriting.

[hopemountain]

96. you read it right, cha...

[bearssoapbox]

36. Should the 'a' in 'are' be capitalized?

Just wondering.

Or perhaps, ARRRRRE!

[Psephos]

47. Meanwhile, the grammar inspector hasn't learned to correctly capitalize.

Try speaking to the argument and not its technicalities. Nitpicking someone's diction makes you look small and low on ammo, and does nothing to further the discussion.

[hopemountain]

97. lowercase is a personal statement.

very personal. thank you for noticing.

[Cha]

30. "..Definitely the problem".. what do you know about it? Were you there? Or just blindly throwing

out cheap pot shots?

[IHateTheGOP]

61. Actually, you have nothing to do with it

If bile were the problem, you would be the cause.

[onehandle]

6. Lame-duck syndrome. nt

[Cha]

21. Oh yeah, the President a real "lame duck".. He's certainly not acting like one.

[onehandle]

72. Well, he has nothing to lose.

Or win.

For the next two years, hopefully he'll veto like Hell.

[Cha]

75. President Obama has a lot to win.. when our country wins he wins too.

[Scootaloo]

24. What does that even MEAN?

[stone space]

56. I wish this "lame duck" thingie had started earlier.

Last edited Sun Dec 7, 2014, 11:56 AM - Edit history (1)

I'm beginning to like having a lame duck President.

[steve2470]

90. incorrect! nt

[Derek V]

8. Why are they scanning for Connecticut?

Obama was not born there, doesn't live there, and has not even visited the place since the midterms!

What horrid conspiracy is afoot, OS?

[Omaha Steve]

15. We can't discuss conspiracies in LBN

That would get locked.

[Derek V]

26. Locked? As in.....Suppressed?

Last edited Sun Dec 7, 2014, 08:36 AM - Edit history (1)

But isn't that the very definition of a cons---ATTENTION: Derek is feeling a little under the weather, and is currently being cared for by our Advanced Pharmacology Unit. He should be as Happy as Morning Sunshine within 72 hours! Nothing to see here, folks!

[freshwest]

51. ...

[jberryhill]

29. to see if Kentucky jelly might help

[progressoid]

12. If I were in his position, it would be a lot worse than acid reflux.

[WhoWoodaKnew]

13. After about 6 months of any president's schedule (and problems) I'd

probably have about 10 medical problems.

[AngryDem001]

41. I'd just go plum insane.

As in: "in a padded cell giggling like a maniac".

[Baitball Blogger]

14. Sending him my best vibes for wellness.

[Cha]

33. Mahalo, Baitball Blogger.. I too wish the President to Good Healing Thoughts~

[JDPriestly]

16. Tension. Midnight snacks. Not being able to eat in a peaceful situation. That's my guess.

It's really difficult to the be the president of the US.

Get welll, Mr. President.

[oldandhappy]

20. Given all he has to put up with from the right, tis a wonder he is healthy.

Sending prayers.

[bemildred]

22. Stress. nt

[sakabatou]

25. For the amount of stress he's been having, I wouldn't be surprised

[malokvale77]

31. Maybe he's been reading DU.

It gives me heartburn.

Edited to add: a little levity folks.

[lumpy]

44. Yea verily

[Cleita]

35. I get it when I drink hard liquor.

Maybe he needs to have a food taster check that bourbon that Mitch McConnell could be sharing with him.

[kwassa]

42. It is also a side effect of beta blockers.

I get it all the time.

[RKP5637]

43. Frankly, I have no idea how he tolerates and survives the endless bullshit this country throws at

him. What a fucken horrible job he has. He is certainly a brave and a strong person!

[lumpy]

45. Hope the Prez isn't reading DU lately. That would add to his misery.

[Peregrine Took]

46. Slippery Elm chewable tablets.

Works great for me plus they are yummy.

[Psephos]

48. May be due to all the Nicorette gum he chews.

Acid reflux is a common and serious side-effect for those who use it frequently.

[Hissyspit]

49. Good point.

This probably doesn't help:

[Cha]

50. Whatever it is I hope it heals. I want him healthy.

[merrily]

52. When I have it, losing a few pounds helps a lot, but Obama doesn't need

to lose any weight at all. The other thing is a bedrest thingy with lots of pillows so I can sleep practically sitting up. My sister has it so bad that she got a Kraftmatic bed, which works like a hospital bed. She also used to pop Tums like there was no tomorrow, but they gave her some other condition, so she had to stop.

[MBS]

53. Hah! I knew it!

I predicted this to my kid last night.
And, to me, no surprise, given the stress of the last six years.
Stay healthy, President Obama. We need you!

[lonestarnot]

58. GERD sucks.

[glinda]

59. yup...stress

[IHateTheGOP]

60. Republicans give me heartburn too

And they are the biggest threat this nation has ever faced. VOTE people! For the rest of your lives, every election.... VOTE!

[lonestarnot]

84. They give me the drizzling sh_ _ts

[kimbutgar]

62. He needs to drink apple cider when he feels bad

Or a splash of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water with honey. Neutralizes the bad acids in the stomach and helps the good acids digest the food in your stomach.

My self and hubby have both been drinking apple cider when we have heartburn and it gets things moving inside and stops the acid reflux. We are both in our 50's and neither one if us take pills for it.


Also the adage an apple a day keeps the doctor has some truth.

And of course hating half the country hating you because they don't like black people would give me a lot worst health problems.

[LisaL]

67. I tried applice cider vinegar and it made my heartburn worse.

[kimbutgar]

81. You have to dilute apple cider and use honey with it to work effectively

Try just regular apple cider Tree top unsweetened is the best not the vinegar. And Briggs apple cider vinegar is the best.

As we get older the acids in our stomach don't work as well apple cider gets those juices working again. I would try just a little at first.

[onecent]

65. My acid reflux is caused by the house and the senate!!!! n/t

[bigworld]

71. I hope that's all it is -- not something more serious caused by smoking

I find it kind of curious that this was done on a Saturday afternoon and involved a full CT scan for such an apparently minor thing.

[LisaL]

74. Acid reflux is not a minor thing.

[bigworld]

82. You're right of course

I guess I was comparing it to like esophageal cancer or something.

[Paula Sims]

78. Could also be caused by low stomach acid

I have the opposite problem -- low stomach acid. Also led to my carcinoid tumor (30 years clean -- found "by mistake&quot and was the blockage that caused my Father to have emergency intestinal surgery.

I have to take 3g of HCL with my meals to provide proper digestion. Really low in other vitamins & minerals although I am "full of girth".
You never know what causes this stuff.

[steve2470]

79. Get well soon, President Obama! nt

[bigworld]

87. The President's been so subdued lately... I hope it's nothing more serious

that they aren't telling us.