GERD / Tight chest § Mucous

[NelsonAAA]

I am trying to ascertain whether GERD may be responsible for my breathing distress - I get tight chested and mucous on my lungs, which causes me breathing distress and mild panic.

I believe the lung tightness is possibly caused by Anxiety.

I also get stomach bloating (upper gastric IBS) episodes which accentuates the breathing problem.

If I could discount GERD, then I can concentrate my efforts on the Anxiety cause for my breathing difficulties...

Although I have suffered quite serious acid reflux in the past, I have controlled it in the past few months through small meals, no alcohol, good diet, reducing fats and omeprazole. I do not suffer heartburn to any significant extent anymore. I have lost a lot of weight and I am now 196 pounds (6 ' tall, 42 y.o.  male)

I saw a Gastroenterologist recently. He examined me and thought that GERD was an unlikely cause for my breathing difficulty and that it would require a significant amount of acid reflux and serious GERD to give me a lung disorder.

QUESTIONS

Q1 Could it be that I have a form of GERD and not be aware of the symptoms...To such an extent that, unawares, a 'vapouress' mist of stomach gases, HCl acid and pepsin was being inhaled; thus irritating my lungs and causing breathing problems?

OR/

Q2 Would the sort of GERD associated with giving breathing distress not be pretty obvious and chronic eg burning reflux, food returning, belching, etc...

I no longer feel that GERD is a prime suspect for my breathing problem and that perhaps Anxiety is the culprit. Through my efforts, GERD does not bother me so much nowadays. However, I would very much like to discount it and therefore need to know whether I have to be facing the classic symptoms in order for it to be a potential cause...Or whether it could still be working mischief without the obvious symptoms.

I look forward to your kind reply.

THANKS !

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) If GERD continues to be a concern, the best way to conclusively diagnose this would be a 24-hr pH study.  If this test is negative, then GERD isn't an issue.  

2) Anxiety is certainly an possibility.  However, I would suggest that GERD be completely excluded with the 24-hr pH study.  I agree with the GI's opinion that the GERD would have to be pretty severe to cause breathing problems.  Another consideration would be to be evaluated by a pulmonologist to exclude any lung disorders that can be the culprit.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.