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LPR, breathlesness, treatment options

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Nemiren
Nemiren

Hi. I have been suffering for many years from i only now understand is a gastro disease. I first thought it is an ENT condition, because i have inflammed everything in throat area, my symptoms are soreness, uvulitis, redness..

There is one symptom i cant tolerate anymore. I yawn all the time trying to catch a breath. It is so difficult that i cant concentrate on anything. I have become extremely depressed, i lost interest in all my hobbies that i now cant do due to my breathing condition.

What really scares me the most is that i read that damage to the esophagus or esophagus spinchter is irreversible. I am also sick of people and many many doctors telling me it's all in my head, cause i know it's not. I would never ever stop participating in intelectual activities that made me alive, but this condition has for instance, stopped me from reading novels that i loved. 

I have gastroscopy in Oktober , and i have some questions:

Are there any success stories of people getting rid of this breathing related problems? If it will be confirmed that i have silent reflux( cause i have no burning pain), are PPI's any good? I read they have nasty side effects and we also need stomach acid..

Any advice appreciated, i am desperate.

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Barretts
    Barretts Nemiren

    Posted

    Hi,

    I sympathise entirely. Ihave suffered all my life from "ENT" type symptoms that I now know were due to extra-oesophageal reflux, remembering incidences before I started sschool (age 4) and I'm now 68. It took 50 years before the cause was identified.

    Reflux is a mechanical action. It starts at the lower oesophageal sphincter, often compromised by hiatus hernia, permitting stomach contents to flow back into the oesophagus. Carrying concentrated acid, this can cause temporary damage (oesophagitis) or, when reflux is persistent, permanent damage (Barrett's Oesophagus) .Travelling full column, this refluxate can the breach the upper oesophageal sphincter and aspirate into the respiratory system causing the symptoms you describe and may more as reported in the attached graphic.

    PPIs suppress acid making reflux less dangerous but are not much good at reducing the reflux: that has to be managed by lifestyle changes and if that's not possible, surgery.

    I eventually had a fundoplication operation. It repaired my hiatus hernia and my lower oesophageal sphincter to reduce reflux. I went from not being able to walk 50 yards from being out of breath, to cycling 30 miles a day before breakfast.

    See the free book / website www DownWithAcid org uk for much more about acid, reflux, complications and management.

    • Nemiren
      Nemiren Barretts

      Posted

      Many thanks for sharing your story with us. I am so sorry it took so long for you to get help. sad It is a nasty condition, i dont think doctors are enough aware of it. I think ENT specialists should have a clue, they should be educated throat symptoms are related with gastro problems, but they are obviously not. I will check the book a little later, thanks for that too.

    • Barretts
      Barretts Nemiren

      Posted

      It's only comparatvely recently the condition has been acknowledged. It was only 20 yearsago when I said to my doctor my cough was worse when I had bad heartburn, he suggested that food going up one pipe may then be going down the other. Quite revolutionary at the time but now, of course, widely accepted.

      And ENT are only now understanding that many cases they see need referral to gastroenterology instead.

    • Nemiren
      Nemiren Barretts

      Posted

      I feel sorry for you, suffering all those years sad Thanks for your replies, it means a lot to me. 

  • jokow22
    jokow22 Nemiren

    Posted

    I had the breathing problem. Went for many lung function tests, blood tests, heart tests, found nothing. But as soon as my stomach issues were identified and I took ppi's, then breathing got better. Long term ppi use isnt great, but short term can help you out and then you need to rethink your diet to try and keep your Digestive system healthy. Good luck.

    • Nemiren
      Nemiren jokow22

      Posted

      I am glad that PPi helped you. So how long have you been taking it?

      And what did you change in your diet? I heard just recently probiotics might help and also digestive enzymes..

    • jokow22
      jokow22 Nemiren

      Posted

      I have been taking ppi's occasionally for 10 yrs. I take them for 6 wks at a time if I am suffering a particularly bad case of gastritis. But I can usually keep my symptoms at bay by limiting caffeine, alcohol and spices. Eating regular small meals is better than a couple of large ones also. Probiotics are quite good, also i find milk thistle can be helpful. Once the Digestive system is under control it's amazing how many other ailments come under control.

    • Nemiren
      Nemiren jokow22

      Posted

      Thanks for your suggestions.Yeah, i will gove ppi's a try and will change my diet. First it will be a battle against coffe. 

    • jokow22
      jokow22 Nemiren

      Posted

      Yes, the coffee battle is the hard one. I love coffee but it gives me the worst reflux symptoms, so I have to make my choice. I wish you the best of luck!
    • Nemiren
      Nemiren jokow22

      Posted

      I wish you all the best too, let us just beat this disease!
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