GERD or LPR

[leper]

I was diagnosed with gerd about 2 years ago.  I have lost weight and elevated my bed.  I only have coffee at breakfast and have limited my alcohol intake to only weekends and in moderation then. I do not have heartburn, but have had a continuing chest congestion which is normally only a bother. I have taken omeprazole twice aday which seems to control every symptom except the chest congestion.  About once a year it becomes a serious bronchitis for which I have been prescribed levaquin, which works well. I have perused the internet and read many articles about LPR.  I believe I have lpr and have micro-aspirations.  What suggestions does anyone have for treating this condition?


This discussion is related to Breathing Problems with GERD esophagus.

[LazyMoose]

As you have learned, there are several forms of GERD. The higher up the acid travels, the more complications regardless of the name attached to it!

Doctors mostly treat it the same with meds, or for the severe LES - operations.

As patients, we really need to find the cause of the acid refluxing up the esophagus  if PPI's and other meds dont work for us. Even if meds do work, shouldn't we be inclined to find the cause anyway?

This is the tricky part, and many times it falls on the patient to figure this out more than the doctor, the best is both thinking together!

I stress this as I read so many people not getting relife from PPI's ect. Then its time to play detective.

The LES plays a roll in all reflux or GERD. You must ask why is the LES not working properly? When the LES is injured and burned, a vicious cycle develops that you must stop, as it gets worse if you don't.

Have you changed your diet? Alkalized your body? Made sure you dont have another disorder or disease contributing to or causing gerd or reflux? Specialist are good at certain areas, but sometimes you need to step back and look at the entire body.

You can get better, it takes time and detective work. I realy hope you find the cause , so then your laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) will go away. For the long run think "find the cause" instead of treat the symptom.

I had this really bad, I did what I suggested above, jacked my bed way up, drank Aloe Gel to sooth the fried UES and also found out I had another disorder that slowed down the digestive system causing reflux that 'fried' the UES and LES in the first place. The gastroenteritis were not aware that, in my case, Hoshiomotos Thyroiditis could cause digestive issues - but my new Endocrinologist knew that.

Another example: Even Sleep Apnea can cause the LES and UEP to open, but only 'sleep doctors' are aware of this. The airway pressures can reverse causing a vacuum 'drawing' open the LES. Many people that snore have sleep apnea, and many with sleep apnea have reflux of some degree. Many people don't know they have apnea.

The key to all reflux / gerd is to find out why the LES is opening when it should not be. If you have run out of ideas and your doctor is not interested in finding out the cause, get a better doctor. Anyone can perscribe meds that may or may not work, finding the cause takes intelligence.

I wish you luck in healing.

[selmaS]

Hi...I must say, if u r on meds for a condition and want relief...u may want to avoid all things restricted...not use in moderation as that may be a trigger that will not allow the meds to work properly.

Stay away from coffee and alcohol completely...and see if u notice a difference.Meds alone can not cure u, diet and lifestyle changes r needed to aid in the healing process.

And like LM said, u may need to find a root cause for u problem which can be meds for a different condition.....stress at work or home.....many different things.

Have a talk with ur dr to find the root to ur chest congestion.

Good luck
Godspeed
"selma"