Severe Respiration Problems and acid reflux

[Mermaid28]

Hello

A few weeks ago my father was admitted to hospital attached to an oxygen tube because his oxygen levels had dropped so low.  This was because for some weeks he had been unable to breathe properly.  The hospital gave him lots of tests (eg scans and heart tests) but could find nothing obviously wrong.  In the end they gave him a course of steroids and discharged him.  Two weeks after finishing the steriods his breathing is no better although he has oxygen at home so his levels are still OK.  For months before this breathing problem started he has been suffering from very bad acid reflux; heartburn every day.  He still has it now and it makes eating difficult.  The hospital is not exploring this as a possible cause but his family are convinced the two might be connected.  Have you come accross such cases?  He is getting depressed now, as he has not been able to breath properly for weeks.  Any help or guidance would be much appreciated.  Thank you.

[National Jewish]

It is possible for reflux to make a breathing problem worse.  However reflux seldom makes it difficult to eat.  Your father should be seen by a lung specialist, also called a pulmonologist, to try to figure out what is causing his breathing problem and what will help.

[Concerned lady]

Have you had your dad examined and tested by a good GI (Gastro-intestinal) doctor yet, to see if he has gastric reflux?

My husband and I both have the LPR form of gastric reflux. LPR means Laryngeal(voice box)-Pharyngeal (throat) Reflux.

I will do a "cut & paste" of some Gastric Reflux "tips" that help us, --You can show these to your dad's docs to make sure that these are OK for him to try, if he does have gastric reflux.

I wish you and your dad the best of luck. Get your dad to some better docs, soon!! You can get some recommendations from the LUNG LINE nurses, Monday, by calling the LUNG LINE, at 1-800-222 LUNG (5864).

If your dad could be seen at National Jewish Hospital, in Denver, Colorado, if he is close enough to easily get there, that would be great.

My husband and I had wonderful help, when we were patients at National Jewish Hospital, for our VCD/Vocal Cord Dysfunction, that was partially due to gastric reflux!

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Some GASTRIC REFLUX TIPS (without acid blockers):

GER=Gastro-Esophageal Reflux. (Gastro=stomach. Esophagus=food tube.)

LPR= Laryngeal-Pharyngeal Reflux. (Larynx=voice box, containing the 2 vocal cords. Pharynx=throat, above the larynx. The larynx is above the trachea/windpipe.)

Reflux=acidic or alkaline stomach material that backs up into the esophagus (food tube), causing any of these problems: VCD attacks, cough, voice problems, asthma, globus (feeling of lump in throat), constant need to clear throat, worsening of sinus condition, sore throat, pre-cancerous conditions of throat &/or esophagus, etc.

SOME GER/LPR CONTROL THINGS WE DO, that we learned from the excellent book: STOMACH AILMENTS AND DIGESTIVE DISTURBANCES, by Michael T. Murray, N.D. See page 9, References, in my website: http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com   and, also see GER/LPR info on page 5, and on LINKS page.

PLEASE READ THIS GREAT BOOK. It may possibly be bought on-line, from Michael T. Murray’s website.

Some of the following we learned from people &/or other books, &/or other good websites about voice, GER, etc.

(1) DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice) is one of our main methods of controlling the GER/LPR. We use Enzymatic Therapy brand, shortly before meals. The DGL does NOT cause high blood pressure, and does NOT cause fluid retention/edema, because the bad (steroidal) part of whole/crude licorice has been removed, leaving the DGL. DGL is available at most health food stores, and at good pharmacies.
  
The DGL tablet(s) must be chewed, to mix with saliva, to be effective. If it is too dry, one could mash/crush it and mix with a little water, and then chew it up. Chew tablet(s) for a minute or so, to thoroughly mix with saliva, shortly before EVERY meal, and if necessary, between meals (Read label directions).
  
The DGL seems to not only promote healing of throat, esophagus and stomach, but also seems to help prevent OUR reflux.(resulting in no more globus/lump in throat sensation, no more constant throat clearing, excess mucous, excess phlegm, no more NIGHT-TIME VCD attacks, no more laryngitis, etc. for us)

We like the taste of the DGL CHEWABLE tablets, but for those who hate the taste, try the chocolate flavored kind, without any mint. (Mint—in all forms, can cause gastric reflux episodes. AVOID MINT!!).

(2) We use Thayers brand of SLIPPERY ELM Throat Lozenges when we feel the need. (Soothing, coating, healing, nourishing). Slippery Elm (inner bark from a tree) also comes in teabag form, or in bulk, etc. as an herbal supplement.

(3) We drink the occasional small glass of CARROT JUICE (organic, fresh) which soothes, coats, heals the digestive tract, is nourishing, and stimulates the immune system, with beta-carotene, soothing and coating PECTIN (a type of fiber), and other good nutrients. (Carrot soup, cooked carrots are also good. Beta-carotene is heat resistant.) (Beta-carotene later is turned into Vitamin A inside us). Don’t overdo. If your skin turns orange, cut back on the carrot juice. Avoid beta-carotene pills—too potent.

(4) We tried elevating the head of the bed a few inches, by putting 6 inch to 8 inch BLOCKS, ON THE FLOOR, under the head end of the bed. This creates a slant (tilt), where one’s head is 6 to 8 inches higher than the feet. This helps some people, but not all people. (Check with a pediatric Gastro-enterologist, about raising the head end of a bed of a child, or a crib of an infant). Also, see (16) about a special GERD PILLOW, for adults.

(5) We try NOT TO BEND OVER too often, and we try to AVOID STRAINING (Valsalva maneuver). We AVOID LIFTING HEAVY objects. (No weight lifting!) (at least until after no more reflux symptoms for 3 months).

(a) If CONSTIPATION is causing any straining, see Ref.15,18,23,24,25 on page 9 for ideas about gently treating constipation, including eating whole grains, not white (de-natured ones), etc.  For us, exercise, increased water intake, acidophilus/bifidus, digestive enzymes, avoiding junk food, improved diet, chewing slowly (takes will power!), eating when not under stress or angry, etc., all are helpful.

(6) NO MORE TIGHT pants, belt, corset,--AVOID TIGHT CLOTHING etc.

(7) We try to not eat too much junk food. Some people avoid acidic  food, while others need to eat acidic food, if their stomach is not producing any (or enough) acid. (It is good to avoid acid, if one has an ulcer.) These gastric reflux tips methods often can help to heal ulcers. Some people need betaine hydrochloride supplements, which becomes HCl/hydrochloric acid, or, some use vinegar (acetic acid) in salads, or mixed with water, while others need to avoid eating excess acid. Each person is unique. We avoid all artificial sweeteners. Anyone with diabetes might want to look at the excellent book Reversing Diabetes, by Dr. Julian Whittaker, M.D..

Diet soda pop contains the harmful artificial sweetener Aspartame (Equal/Nutrasweet), which can cause WEIGHT GAIN, HEADACHES, UPSET STOMACH, BLURRED VISION, BLINDNESS, TWITCHING, SEIZURES, BRAIN TUMORS, HYPERACTIVITY, MOOD SWINGS, ETC., and soda pop often has strong acids, plus other harmful artificial ingredients. Plain water, gentle herb teas, certain fruit juices, brown rice-milk, etc. are healthier substitutes for soda pops.

We try to avoid all artificial ingredients, including fake fats (like Olean, Olestra, etc.), because these can destroy the digestive system, and prevent absorption of vital nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) from foods. These fake fats also prevent digestion and absorption of needed fats & oils, used to repair myelin nerve cell sheaths (made of fatty material, mostly cholesterol). Hormones are also made of mostly cholesterol.

(8)  We try to drink more water, to prevent chronic dehydration. We like hard (nicely mineralized) well or spring water.
We do not drink distilled water (soft water, no minerals), because it can leach minerals out of our bones, possibly contributing  to osteoporosis. (See Ref.18,23, on page 9.) We avoid water softeners (chemicals) because they can be toxic, and because good minerals help keep us healthy. People with KIDNEY PROBLEMS &/or GLAUCOMA, etc. should ask their docs how much water is safe to drink, since too much water can be dangerous for them! (But, dehydration can cause problems also.)

(9) We use ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS ( edible beneficial bacteria which keep bad YEASTS away, such as Candida Albicans, formerly called Monilia). ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS also can eat or control some bad bacteria, and some viruses. The acidophilus/bifidus are also called PRO-BIOTICS and are beneficial intestinal flora (mainly for the large intestine). We keep the jars refrigerated, but not too cold. (See Ref.14,15,23,24,25, on page 9).

Acidophilus/bifidus can re-populate the large intestine, with good bacteria, after antibiotics &/or steroids, etc. have killed off these good bacteria! Some of us have to continue eating the acidophilus/bifidus (daily, or from time to time), but the results seem worth the effort to us.

Yogurt and buttermilk contain similar beneficial bacteria, but are milk products, so see (11) below about milk products.

(10) We use DIGESTIVE ENZYMES. My husband likes Acid-Ease by Prevail, which contains Slippery Elm (inner bark), Marshmallow Root, Gamma-Oryzanol (from Rice Bran Oil), and the plant enzymes Amylase (digests starch), Lipase II (digests fat), and Cellulase I (digests cellulose from plant cell walls). The Acid-Ease does not contain Protease, which can be very irritating to ulcer/GER folks.

The Acid-Ease is NOT an acid blocker. It is not an antacid. It soothes, coats, nourishes, and promotes healing. Its enzymes help with leaky gut syndrome.

   I use Total Enzymes (which does have Protease, a protein digesting enzyme) by Nutri-West, a company that sells only to health practitioners (Chiropracters, Physicians, and others). One could ask their physician to order, at cost, for them, by having physician call 1-307-358-5066.

   Digestive enzymes are NOT FOR EVERYBODY.

(11)  My husband has found that AVOIDING MILK PRODUCTS helps him feel less congested, with less mucous in throat. Milk and milk products can cause gastric reflux episodes. Brown-Rice Milk (look for gluten-free) can substitute for milk (but not for babies!).

Gluten is in wheat, rye, oats, barley, & buckwheat. Read labels to avoid hidden gluten, in some soy sauces, gravies, grain alcohols, beer (barley malt), etc. People with Celiac Disease need to avoid all foods containing gluten. BROWN RICE (organic) is gluten-free. Corn is gluten free, but is very allergenic (allergy causing), so avoid corn. Avoid millet, because there is disagreement about whether millet is safe or not, for Celiac patients.

MILK MAY CAUSE MORE ACID to be produced, IN THE STOMACH.

I occasionally eat milk products, like yogurt, cheese, whipped cream, or my ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS, which is mixed with goat milk powder. So, at these times, I take LACTASE ENZYMES, to digest (break down into easily absorbed small molecules) the milk-sugar called LACTOSE. Many people (due to heredity &/or disease) have Lactose intolerance, where one’s small intestine does not secrete the lactase enzyme. Result is that the milk-sugar (lactose) travels further down the small intestine than it should. Then, bad bacteria eat the lactose, giving off lots of gas (a by-product of the digestion of bad bacteria), and this causes folks to get bloated, gassy, have diarrhea, and cramping. I use Lactaid” brand lactase enzymes, and it works for me. Ordering direct from them can save money.

(12) Using the above methods has almost completely freed my husband of needing to use Tums, and seems to be nicely controlling his and my GER/LPR. We have never used acid blockers.

ACID BLOCKERS CAN HAVE DANGEROUS SIDE EFFECTS: Some examples are:

Acid must be present in the stomach, in order for the stomach to make a substance called Intrinsic Factor. Intrinsic factor must be present with Vitamin B 12, in the duodenum (first part of the small intestine), for absorption of Vitamin B 12 to happen.

Acid blockers therefore prevent absorption of Vitamin B 12. Malabsorption (lack of absorption) of Vitamin B 12, causes NERVE DAMAGE (pain, numbness, pins & needles sensation, etc.) in the peripheral nerves (outside the brain & spinal cord). This is called PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY. For details about this problem, see the Peripheral Neuropathy forum at http://www.braintalk.org

If Vitamin B 12 continues to NOT be absorbed, eventually there can be NERVE DAMAGE to the Central nervous system (brain & spinal cord).

ALSO, the minerals calcium, iron, zinc, other minerals, and important trace minerals, etc. cannot be properly absorbed, when there is no acid in the stomach (due to acid blockers, etc.).

AND, protein does not get properly digested (broken down--eventually into amino acids), in the stomach, when there is no acid in the stomach.

Doctors and pharmacists can advise about tapering down (weaning) schedules (when and if safe) for the acid blockers. Some acid blockers, when stopped too quickly, can cause rebound acid secretion in the stomach, resulting in excess hydrochloric acid secretion.

ALSO, SOME FORMS OF REFLUX ARE NOT ACID REFLUX, but are ALKALINE REFLUX, (bile is alkaline). Besides refluxed stomach acid (HCl/hydrochloric acid), Pepsin (an acidic proteolytic/protein digesting, enzyme) & bile (alkaline) can irritate & damage: the esophagus, throat, vocal cords, & lungs.

(13) Do not drink ICY COLD DRINKS, and AVOID VERY HOT DRINKS. Use room temperature drinks, or slightly cool, or warm, but not ultra-hot. Extremely cold or hot liquids can irritate the stomach, which is bad for ulcers &/or gastric reflux.

(14) Ask physical therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, etc. if they know any safe adjustments that might lessen GER/LPR, if you wish.

(15) Read (by Dr. James A. Koufman) PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET ON REFLUX by Center for Voice Disorders of Wake Forest University. Here’s a link:  http://www.bgsm.edu/voice/pt_info.html  Dr. Koufman was a pioneer in showing the connection between stomach reflux (can be acid reflux OR alkaline reflux) and breathing problems!

(16) Some have found a special (large) GERD pillow helpful for preventing GERD episodes while sleeping and while lying down. Here is a link to the Prop up pillow website:  http://www.propuppillow.com

(17) Avoid harmful chemical air pollution, which can aggravate gastric reflux. See page 5 of VCD website for more about this.

(18) Using the above methods, in addition to the SINUS SURVIVAL tips, has helped us to prevent VCD attacks, in us.

(19) Please check with your doctor, in advance, to be sure that it is OK for you to try these tips, in your particular case. Also, please get monitored by your doctor, to be sure that no more damage to the throat, esophagus, stomach, vocal cords, lungs, etc. is happening, from possible SILENT gastric reflux.

Pregnant or nursing ladies should check with their doctors, before trying any of these tips.

Avoid any herbs, foods, etc. that you may be allergic to.

Check with your doctor and pharmacist, to be sure that there would be no harmful interactions between any of your medications, diet that you may be on, and any herbs, foods, etc. mentioned in these tips.

Check with your doctor, to be sure that these tips would not interact badly with any medical condition you may have.

These tips help my husband and me (adults). Some of these tips may be OK for children, and others may not be OK for children. Check with your doctor! Babies with gastric reflux need DIFFERENT treatments, not these tips (except for raising the head end of the crib, if your doctor says it is OK to do this, etc.). Check with your doctor!

Sincerely, Concerned lady

[Mermaid28]

Thank you for your advice.  My parents are living in the UK so unfortunately cannot go to Colorado.  I don't know if LUNG LINE recommend specialists over here.  So far my father has been treated on the National Health but they have insurance so could see a private specialist if anyone can recommend one.

He has not been tested for gastric reflux but he has always been certain that he has problems with the acid: heartburn etc.

I will pass your tips on to him and my mother and hopefully they will try some of them.

Thanks for your concern.

[Concerned lady]

I hope you will call the very helpful LUNG LINE, which is at National Jewish Hospital, in Denver, Colorado. Their number is 1-800-222-LUNG (5864). They can answer the phone between 8 am and 4:30 pm, Colorado time, Monday through Friday.

Ask the LUNG LINE nurse if she knows of any doctors IN YOUR AREA, who had some training at National Jewish Hospital.

The LUNG LINE nurses might know of some doctors in the United Kingdom! It's worth calling and asking!

Talk to the LUNG LINE NURSE about your father's symptoms. She might recognize a pattern that can help point you in a helpful direction, medically!

I think that your father needs to be seen by some expert doctors, who can figure out ALL the causes of his breathing problems, and who can help to correct the problems, fast!

This could mean, at least:

--lung doctor (pulmonologist)

--ENT/ear, nose & throat doctor (otolaryngologist)

--GI/Gastro-intestinal specialist doctor

--cardiologist (in case his heart is related to the breathing problems)

--other kinds of doctors (ASK the LUNG LINE nurse for examples)

I hope your dad gets helped soon and gets well fast.

Sincerely, Concerned lady

http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com

[Mermaid28]

His doctor says he has probably got pulmonary fibrosis - scans showed scaring on his lungs.  Are problems eating and acid tied in with this?

thanks for your help

[Concerned lady]

I urge you to call the LUNG LINE nurse and ask this question.

Also, ask the PULMONOLOGIST, this question.

And, speak with a very good GI/GASTRO-INTESTINAL doc who understands the connections between gastric reflux and breathing problems (including with lungs),about your questions.

Has your dad had a good GI doc see him, yet?

What does the Pulmonologist say can be done to help your dad?

Compare this with what the LUNG LINE nurses tell you could be done about his problem. Ask the LUNG LINE nurse if she knows of any expert docs (who had training at Nat'l Jewish Hospital) in YOUR AREA who could see your dad, and possibly help him to conquer his problems.

Does your dad smoke? He would have to quit smoking to help his lungs heal, too. Smoking can cause gastric reflux episodes.

Bad air quality (toxins & irritants in the air) can cause lung damage AND can aggravate gastric reflux. Dr. Balkissoon, who works at National Jewish Hospital, mentioned the connection between inhaling toxins, and worsening gastric reflux--at the VCD/Vocal Cord Dysfunction Conference last summer.

Dr. B. said that when toxins & irritants are inhaled, some of the molecules get swallowed, irritating the stomach, and worsening gastric reflux. And, the toxins etc. can damage the lungs too. Lots of things are interconnected.

You need experts to help you figure out what to do next. (And ask your dad's docs if he could safely try some of the tips about reflux).

I wish you the best.

Concerned lady

[Sarjar]

Hello. I notice heartburn seems to be a frequent symptom of GERD. I have had a miserable sore throat for over 4 years, which is the symptom that is the priority for me- over the counter tylonal, ect. doesn't help anymore, sprays, lozenges.My throat feels swollen, my ears click when I swallow. Also, I have difficulty at times breathing in, gross acid and sometimes bits of food coming up my throat, (sorry) belching frequently,occasional diarhea (diarrhea), but no heart burn. Incidentally, I also have hypothyroidism-but I don't think it's related. Any ideas about chronic miserable throat pain? Thank you for your time. Melissa.

[Concerned lady]

Melissa,

You can telephone the LUNG LINE on Monday, at 1-800-222-LUNG(5864), and get some advice.

Everything is connected, so maybe the hypothyroidism is also related to your sore throat.

Good luck to you.

Sincerely, Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com

[starfish19]

My father was having the same problem for over a year. It took us that long to convince him that he needed to go in and get checked. He did and he had a biopsy and found out that he had esophagus cancer, mind you he never smoked a day in his life, anyways he is still in the hospital (a month so far) trying to overcome this problem, he went in for 3 surgeries in just 2 weeks because he was bleeding internally and he was nutricioned enough. He has caught pneumonia twice and is close to you know what. So if I was you I'd go have your father checked out as soon as possible.