Aspiration/Pain

[wolfe42]

Over the past year I have aspirated stomach acid while sleeping, which shut down my esophagus. I then wakeup immediately and am not able to inhale to the point of almost passing out.  Pounding on my chest I can start breathing like through a small straw after getting some air in my lungs I will start coughing at which point I am able to breathe a little better. The hard breathing will usually last for about forty minutes. I will feel a burning in my throat. This has happened about seven times and has not occurred for the past six months.  Now I find that when I drink liquids it’s easy to aspirate if I’m not careful. Currently, I am  coughing up phlegm and now experiencing pain on the right side of my lung with pain radiating around the front and back. I have had this pain for six days. Please advise.  Thanks



John Wolfe

[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 heartburn.  This reflux can come all the way up to the mouth and nose.  When this happens the material can be aspirated, dribbling into the windpipe and lungs.



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; and

· Increased trouble breathing while asleep.



A pH probe measures the acid in your esophagus to see if digestive juices are coming up from your stomach.  A barium swallow can also help identify reflux, but is especially helpful in identifying swallowing disorders.  When drinking with a swallowing disorder it is possible to aspirate.  During aspiration some of the beverage passes into the windpipe and lungs.



Barium Swallow is an x-ray test using fluoroscopy to watch for problems as barium is swallowed.  Barium sulfate is a harmless chalky, water-insoluble compound (salt) that does not permit x-rays to pass through it.  It causes the digestive tract to stand out in silhouette when viewed through a fluoroscope or seen on x-ray film.  This is helpful in identifying gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but it is especially helpful in identifying swallowing disorders.



GERD can often be controlled by avoiding food and drink 2 to 3 hours before bedtime, elevating the head of the bed 6 to 8 inches, and/or taking medicines.



Please read our Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease MedFact at http://www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/reflux.html for more information.  You will need to check with your doctor to know for sure what is causing your aspiration when drinking liquids, cough, phlegm, and pain.  It’s important that you get started on helpful treatment before you have another episode or your symptoms worsen.