GERD and Asthma

I think I'm having symptoms of GERD, but they aren't the typical symptoms, such as "heartbutrn."  I feel like I have a lump or hairball in my throat most of the time and it's a little bit hard to swallow.  Sometimes my throat burns, especially after I drink orange juice or coffee.  I've been having more asthma problems at night lately and I'm not sure why.  I'm wondering if it's because of GERD, which I've had in the past.  Is it ok to take an OTC medication or would it be better for me to go to a doctor?    

[selmaS]

Coffee and orange juice are very acidic and should be avoided with the issues u r having.

I am adding a page from the Health pages here on Medhelp...see if u think this may be ur issue and discuss with ur Dr.

ymptoms of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux are:

Continual throat clearing
Chronic throat irritation
Chronic cough
Hoarseness
Excessive phlegm the throat
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Constant sensation of something in the throat
Swallowed food comes back up
Post nasal drainage
Weak voice
Cracking voice
Blockage of the breathing passage
Spasm of the larynx (voice box)
Wheezing
Heartburn
This condition is a result of both UES and LES not working correctly.
And it is possible not to have typical gerd/acid reflux  symptoms.

[choo_choo]

Hi,

Yeah, there are a few things listed that describe what I've been experiencing the past few weeks...phlegm in throat (especially after I eat), swallowed food comes back up (for me it's always liquids), cracking voice, throat irritation, post nasal drip, throat clearing, difficulty swallowing, sensation of something in throat and worse asthma.  

I take allergy medications (antihistamines and steroid nasal spray) and haven't had problems with post nasal drip for a while...I was wondering why that's been happening lately.

Thanks for the list...I'll take a trip to my doctor.

[selmaS]

Good luck at the drs...I hope u post an update : )

"selma"

[choo_choo]

Hi,

I went to the doctor and she gave prescription for a couple months and a referral to a GI doc for an endoscopy and treatment.  I see him next month.  I've developed thrush, so it's been easy to avoid acidic foods.

[selmaS]

Hi...glad to hear u have an appointment with a GI dr....but ...sorry to hear u have thrush...that is so not fun....how did u get it?

R u on antibiotics for the thrush?....I get yeast infections from the antibiotics and need to take diflucan.
Since thrush is yeast, u may also want to ask about diflucan.I pray u r rid of it soon!

Merry Christmas
"selma"

[choo_choo]

Yes, I'm on diflucan for thrush.  I got it from Symbicort for asthma...it has an inhaled steroid in it.  I was on antibiotics a month ago for a sinus infection and strep throat, so that probably contributed to my getting it.  It's starting to go away...it doesn't hurt as much and not as many white fuzzy spots :)

Ho, Ho, Ho!

[selmaS]

Hi...so glad to hear u r getting better.

U may be like  me that in the future u always take diflucan after a round of antibiotics.

Happy New Year.

"selma"