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Severe Respiration Problems and acid reflux

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.
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Avatar universal
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!

*****************************************************

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
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
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.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
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
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
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, 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.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
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
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
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
Helpful - 0
251132 tn?1198078822
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
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.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
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.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal

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

Helpful - 0

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