GERD Shortness of Breath? Heart palpitations?

[bigboss123]

Hi, Plz Give me advise. I am a 31 year old male. Been having shortness of breath over the last few years on and off. Heart Palpitations on and off last 9 months. Lately the shortness of breath has been getting worse. In the last 7 months Here are the test I have had done. Chest X ray, Pulmonary function tests, Methacholine challenge all test came back normal
They tested my heart. Two EKGs, Holiter Monitor, Echo. All came back normal.

For the last two years I have been on Omprozole 20mg then bumped up to 40mgs. Dr said I have GERD. Over the last so many months. My GERD symptoms have been Bloating in chest and burping. And slight soar throat. I have noticed later in the evening my breathing acts up. Comes and goes.  So my Question is can GERD cause shortness of breath and Heart Palpitations? Thank you in advance.

I do have high BP under control with lisinopril. And DR. Has me on a Qvar inhaler since I am a smoker.

[bigboss123]

Thank you so much for the info. One last question. Now at this point in my life am I at risk for esophagus cancer? Or with life style changes as in quitting smoking ect.. Will this get better in time? Thank you so much

[selmaS]

  Yes, GERD can add to back pains, upper and lower....heart issues tho should always be ruled out. As well as looking into family medical history to help with a DX.

Smoking  not only constricts blood vessels but slows the production of saliva which is one of our bodies best defense against esophageal damage.The saliva contain acid-neutralizing chemicals, called bicarbonates. Research shows that the saliva of smokers contains smaller amounts of bicarbonates, thus reducing the ability of the saliva to neutralize the acid. Smoking will also stimulate production of stomach acids..and it can also weaken and slow the LES which will allow the acids to move up into the esophagus.
And in addition to the production of the stomach acids, it causes bile salts to move from the intestines to the stomach making the acids more harmful.
The smoke from cigarettes  also damages the esophagus making it that more susceptible to damage from the acids. Smoking will also slow ur digestive motility ....so digestion is less effective and it takes longer for the stomach to empty.

Those are a few things I found.

[bigboss123]

Thank you I am working on that it is hard. And I know all the benifets to quitting. So quitting is defantly something I really want to do. But as for GERD how much does smoking play a roll in it? I have also lost 20 pounds over the last year with out trying. Drs do not seem concerned.

[Flycaster305]

I forgot to mention, but quitting smoking will  save you probably $2000 a year, which will go a ways to get you health insurance.  

[Flycaster305]

I had had surgery for GERD as well a heart bypass surgery, and also have a pacemaker because of heart connectivity issues caused by heart attacks.  It is difficult to sort out what is a heart issue and what is a GERD issue.  I'm also a former smoker, I admit with great shame, but quit years ago.
You have had most of the gold standard heart tests except an angiogram, so you can rest somewhat easy about your heart, I'd think.  The above posters give you great ideas and suggestions.  I'd add that you should take your Omprozole EXACTLY as prescribed or it will become just expensive urine, not medication.  
I'm sure you have heard this 100's of times, but why smoke pimp sticks with your symptoms?  It is like hitting your head with a hammer and wondering why you have headaches.  If you don't have heart problems , you will soon, and certainly shortness of breath and smoking are connected.  Millions of us have quit.  I was able to quit quite easily cold turkey as after my first heart attack I found myself in a cold room getting heart stents inserted and was in the hospital for several days about twenty years ago.
I'd center on quitting smoking then sort out the rest of your problems.
Do keep us informed.

[bigboss123]

Thank you for the advise. I have not been to a GI Doc yet since I am having a few issues with my insurance at the moment. My current PCP had diagnosed me with GERD. He has mentioned me getting my stomack scoped but that is all on hold for now. They also keep telling me anxiety is playing a roll in this. But I refuse to go on meds for that. Since I never had these symptoms before GERD.

But I do feel better knowing that these symptoms I have can be GERD related. Also one more question Can GERD cause upper back pain?

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the GERD forum.

The above poster offered some good advice, and I would like to add to it....first meds will not work alone, u do have to modify ur diet and lifestyle in order to see benefits of the meds.

Many times the heart palps can be a result of the vagus nerve being impinged....have u been to a PCP or a GI Dr?

U will also want to modify ur lifestyle...elevate the head of ur bed, do not eat for 3 to 4 hrs b4 laying down.

Remember it is not just foods that can trigger the symptoms, carbonated bevs, alcohol, smoking...all can affect how u feel regardless if u take meds.

[choo_choo]

Acid reflux can cause shortness of breath due to stomach acid refluxing and irritating the lungs.  The stomach acid can also irritate the lining of your nose, causing post-nasal drip, which can lead to a sore throat.  The pressure and burping can be due to GERD, as well.  There are probably other things that can cause these symptoms, and perhaps there is more than one thing going on.

I'm not a medical professional, so take what I say with a grain of salt.