gerd vs. acid reflux

[bugbain]

can you tell me the difference between gerd and acid reflux?  

[Kamal S Saini, MD, MRCP (UK), DM]

GERD stands for Gastro-Esophageal-Reflux Disease. Acid reflux refers to the same condition.

The secretions of the stomach are acidic, and when they back-wash into the food pipe (esophagus), they cause heartburn. This is acid reflux or GERD.

[bugbain]

I thought that they were the same.  the reason that i am confused is that i have had acid reflux with the burning pain before, but now my dr. is thinking that i am having acid reflux when i am sleeping and it is going to my lungs and causing congestion, wheezing and i have been having this for around a year.  she put me on nexium but it didn't help.  My thought is, if it is acid reflux, why am i not feeling the burning?  Is it possible to have acid reflux with out the burning heartburn?  I am seeing a  lung specialist soon and am considering have allergy testing to try to get to the bottom of this.
One more question, has anyone heard of clamidia pnemonia (pneumonia)?  Google it and see what you think.  I'm thinking it matches my symptoms , but testing is not covered by most insurance companies.

[katseye]

I can fully relate to what you are saying.........I have had breathing issues, as well as conjestion in my nose and throat, but I don't have the burning in the chest.........from what I have learned, it is called silent reflux and it causes that without the burning in the chest........the acid backs up into the lungs and sinus', which are more sensitive to the acid than the esophagus..........you may want to look into that and see if that helps you........:-)

[bugbain]

That is very interesting info---my dr. didn't mention silent relux to me,  and i have never come across it before.  Here is a web page explaining silent reflux in case anyone is interested---http://www.mwent.com/Pages/PatientServices/633.html      or you can just google it.  It sounds like the symptoms of many that i have been reading here.   I know one thing that most drs. wont't tell you about acid reflux is that loosing weight will help.  I lost 20 lbs a year ago and my acid reflus dissapeared.  I gained 10 lbs back and the reflux returned.  I am on a mission to loose that  weight and to keep if off!   Thank you for bringing silent reflux to my attention,  I'm going to check it out.

[katseye]

You are very welcome..........from what I am learning the ears, nose, and throat dr.'s are the ones that take care of silent reflux, because often it effects the larynx.........I have been searching and searching my symptoms, cause I am unable to see a dr. yet.........have a couple more weeks and then I can........:-) I am happy to be of some help and you are right about weight lose, it does help........:-) I have also noticed that the more I burp and cough and clear my throat, the more breathing problems and burning throat and mouth I have..........so sad.......can't wait untill I am normal again!!! I am trusting the Lord and am doing a lot of praying........:-)

[bugbain]

I want you to look at this natural remedy site while you are waiting for you dr.  app.  I have been suffering from acid reflux for years, lost 20#, got relief, gained 10#back,  didn't feel the burning so i didn't think i had acid reflux. then you told me about silent reflux. cant believe my drs. didn't tell me about it.  I have been suffering with these symptoms for about a year:  every morning i would wake up with horrible congestion, couldn't cough anything up, but is clear if i can.  wheezing would develope to the point that i was very concered. until youv'e expereinced breathing issues you don't know how scary it can be.  anyway, i saw my dr.  she put me on inhaler, which worked for the wheezing, but i still had the problem.  went back, she thought it was acid reflux draining into my lungs while i was sleeping.  put me on nexium.. it didn't work....... then i found this natural remedy site, and i am jumping for joy.  because after a few drinks of apple cider vinegar and baking soda my congestion issues are 99% resolved and i just cant believe it!!!! The site is http://www.earthclinic.com/index.html  ...p.s. i also saw an ent, he wanted to do surgery

[katseye]

I have tried the apple cider vinegar and baking soda, that was the first thing.........but it wasn't helping me, it seemed worse.......on one of the forums though, a lady was talking about apple cider vinegar pills and said they worked for her when the drink did not, so I am thinking about trying that and seeing...........thanks for the site, I will look into it.........:-) Glad to read that you have relief and healing, Praise the Lord!!!!.........:-) God bless you and I will let you know how it goes for me........:-)

[katseye]

Have you had the burning mouth along with it? Talk about a pain!!! I am so looking forward to this being over with..........my tongue and mouth burn and my lips are dry, and burning as well.........it is terrible!! Thanks for the help though..........I truly appreciate it...........:-)

[Michele693]

My dr told me once you get GERD you always have to be on medication. Is this true?

[katseye]

From what I understand and have been reading, no you do not have to be on meds forever..........my grandmother had gerd and took an antibiotic for the stomach lining infection, then prilosec for about a year and has been fine since..........she is not on any meds for it now..........:-) I truly believe it depends on the person..........hope this helps.........:-)