Burning lungs?
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hi all, I was just wondering if this is normal reflux symptoms...since this started I've been getting a dull burning feeling in my chest. It's not exactly like heartburn which I've had plenty in the past. More like a constant dull irritation which eases off every now and then. Sometimes things like Gaviscon, Chewing gum etc helps to ease it but sometimes not. I've been feeling like this is actually in my lungs on occasion rather than in my oesophagus (when it feels more like my oesophagus I get more relief from gaviscon etc). Could this be the acid getting into my lungs? My other reflux type symptoms are also higher up-hoarseness etc so it does seem like it's coming higher. I'm also getting the ache in my back, around my shoulder which I've seen people on here mention. I've mentioned it to my doctor who just said it can be reflux related but it would be interesting to hear from people who actually have reflux. Xx
1 like, 6 replies
paul23160 Abracadabra0
Posted
Hi gemscott, this is a carbon copy of how my reflux issues started. Initially I had a little cough in my throat, more like a little tickle. Over a few months that developed into occasional pain across my chest (I thought it was asthma), but the. I also started getting pain in between my shoulder blades. Went to ENT who immediately put me on Omeprazole, then onwards to a GI doc. Turned out I had reflux osophigitis, grade a, and have been on Meds and lifestyle change for last 2 months.
Try raising head of bed & inches....and have a serious look at your weight and diet. I am slim, 6ft and 11.5 stone.....but coffee, tea are a big no no for me. I have steered clear of alcohol, but never drank much before that.
Anyway, I think your doctor is spot on, so try lifestyle changes (small portions, bed raise, lose weight, avoid trigger foods) and consider Meds....
Abracadabra0 paul23160
Posted
Thanks for the reply. Sadly I've tried everything you've recommended with no luck so far. On lansoprazole, I'm already a good weight, trying to identify any food triggers but it seems different every day other than tea which is a constant . I've raised the head of my bed etc. I don't see the ENT again until November but I'm struggling to get through the day feeling like this. I'm also feeling more and more tired having to put up with this each day. Everything just seems to take so much more out of me when I'm feeling like this! Xx
paul23160 Abracadabra0
Posted
I feel your pain bro! I've been there and still am to an extent! Judging from other responses I've had and my own experience this can take months to get under control. I doubled my omeprazole dose to 20mg bi daily.
Initially I thought that I didn't have trigger foods, but I am coming to realise that I do. Caffeine, (I am a big red bush tea fan now) , chocolate and very sugary foods. I also avoid very high fat foods. I am also trying to get as many smooth foods into my diet and am juicing more stuff to make it easier on my oesophagus.
Stress....do doubt to me this plays a part. Take every opportunity to chill out. I try to read, exercise, play games, listen to radio, stretch / yoga, play music.
I think another realisation is to be less focuses on food. I think I am quite a food based person, so just need to focus more or enjoying foods I can eat and not worrying about foods I can't!
Give it time , it will improve......!
Ldaniels79 Abracadabra0
Posted
Yes. I'm just coming out of a week long episode. Had reflux for approx 10 years. On lanzoprazol daily. If I forget just 1 I suffer for a week or so. This time had the worst chest pain to the point i thought it was something more serious but what stopped me seeing doc was the type of pain. It was exactly same as reflux ie burning. Not stabbing didn't change with deep breath didn't affect spo2 or hr was able to carry on in gym as normal but did feel little short of breath occasionally. It was to the right kinda behind breast but towards the front. Had the central pain too. This has died down a lot now as trying to take meds religiously but the chest pain is the lingering symptom however to a much lesser extent. I don't know why lungs hurt from it but seems like it does.
Do you have any issues with your neck? Sounds random but I do and I get pain in mid back and between shoulder blades from that so I never know which is causing which. Think I should just be put down!!!!
Abracadabra0 Ldaniels79
Posted
Funny you say about shoulder and back pain. These last few days the burning lungs/chest pain has been pretty constant and I've had right side rib pain which kind of wraps around my side, into my right shoulder blade and between my shoulder blades. I even saw a doctor because I was wondering if it had anything to do with my gallbladder but they didn't think it warranted any more investigations into that. I also get a tight pain up my neck when it gets really bad. Unfortunately the lansoprazole I've been prescribed doesn't do anything.
Ldaniels79 Abracadabra0
Posted
Lanzoprazol can sometimes take a while to kick in. Like I said I can miss 1 and it takes a week for it to start working again. Plus to a few adjustments of strength to find what worked.
It's a pain that so many things have similar symptoms. Like you said gallbladder but also costrochondritis. Have a read about that. The rib pain sounds more like that. Reflux seems to manifest itself in many ways. Also don't let the docs fob you off. They have only 10 mins with you and they seem to think a lower level of disease than higher. Not saying it's anymore but press for referral. Get bloods and ultrasound done and then if still no better get referred to a specialist for further tests. I've had gastroscopy which showed nothing but was in February so need it repeating plus 24 hour ph test to see if I'm a candidate for surgery. It's taken 10 years and about 5 doctors to get to this point so push it's your health not theirs.