Acid Reflux and larynx/bronchi/lung sensitivity

[NelsonAAA]

Dear Med Help,

I am suffering breathing distress due to hypersensitivity...

Symptoms: I have been suffering from an unproductive cough, chest/larynx tightness, larynx-bronchi-lung hypersensitivity, mucous production and related panic.

I have a history of acid reflux/GERD, including ulceration in the voice box, laryngospasms (VCD-type breathing 'attacks')and heartburn.

Recently, I have been controlling the reflux quite well. Nowadays, I do not have obvious symptoms - I take PPIs (30 mg Lansaprazole per day), have lost weight and have a relatively good diet.

However, I still have the tightness in the larynx and respiratory distress...And I still suspect stomach acid !

NB: I have a good peak flow and my chest X-Ray was OK


Q1 : I wondered whether I could have upper esophageal reflux, without the obvious heartburn, esophagitis-type burning symptoms?

Q2 : IF the answer is yes, how then can I best tackle the reflux and avoid the breathing problems?

THANKS for your help !!!

Andy

[National Jewish]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the back flow of stomach contents, including digestive juices, into the esophagus or food tube.  This is most commonly called acid reflux or heartburn.  GERD can cause the following symptoms:
      · Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth;
      · Pain occurring in the middle of the chest;
      · Coughing and/or choking while lying down
      · Increased trouble breathing while asleep.
      · No symptoms at all (“silent reflux”)
It is possible to have "silent" reflux and yes it is common
GERD can often be controlled by avoiding food and drink 2 to 3 hours before bedtime, raising the head of the bed 6 to 8 inches, and/or taking medicines
If your acid reflux symptoms are continuing with the lansaprazole (see below), be sure to share this information with your doctor.  You may need a change in your treatment to get your symptoms under complete control.  A gastroenterologist is the type of specialist to let you know the best treatment for your acid reflux.  Please read our Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease MedFact at http://www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/reflux.html for more information

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a condition that can mimic asthma.  However, VCD is not helped by asthma medicines.  While inhaling the vocal cords should open to let air into the lungs.  With VCD the vocal cords close together during inhalation.  This makes it difficult for air to get into the lungs.  A lot of the same things that trigger asthma can trigger VCD including upper respiratory infections, fumes, odors, reflux, emotional upset, post-nasal drip and exercise.  Sometimes the trigger is not known.  These attacks are also often seen with panic attacks.  VCD is treated by a speech therapist that will instruct you in open throat breathing techniques.  Counseling can help you identify and deal positively with chronic stress, which may be an underlying factor in VCD.  Please read our Vocal Cord Dysfunction MedFact at http://www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/vocal.html for more information

[redvan]

I think we haev the same problem. 3 yrs ago i started getting short of breath coughing (like clearing the throat) and pian in bottom of throat when exercising. Well after everything was coming back normal I had a 24 hr ph test done for acid reflux it turned out massive amounts of reflux entering lungs,throat etc I had surgery 2 yrs ago to correct and only have gotten 60% better dr think nerve ending is area of throat became over sensitive to acid and that is way having pain and cough. Put me on Imipraimine 150mg 1yr ago (nerve blocker) only has helped a little.

As i speak I get short of breath feel like in throat not lungs. cons clearing throat and still can not exercise get bad pain in throat right at the bottom whetre your coller bones would meet(near adams apple) very very frustrated since in used to run marathons  i cant begin to tell you every day have this feeling and gets worse after eating foods cant get deep breath in.

if this sound like your problem let me know or anybody else i need your help any suggestions would be great thanks

[fanagalo]

I currently have Barrett's Esophagus; a permanent condition caused by long-term acid reflux.  I was put on Prilosec to reduce the acid reflux, but I found that I was still having severe stomach pains all day, starting early morning.  I also noticed I did not even need the medication on the weekends.  So, I talked to my doctor and we determined that my acid build-up was due to excessive stress at work.  I was placed on stress reduction meds and the problem has virtually disappeared from my life.  I can drink orange juice again.  Good luck.