Acid reflux

Good evening can I ask if acid reflux makes breathing worse as my breathing very erratic at the moment and my throat dry and sore

[BrianTaylor]

Acid reflux apparently has a very negative effect on IPF. Not sure if it affects COPD the same way? I’m still learning x

[Hidden in reply to BrianTaylor]

Sorry what is IPF x

[BrianTaylor in reply to Hidden]

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. 😊

[Hidden in reply to BrianTaylor]

Thank you

[Hidden]

Yes it effect people with COPD

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

So it does affect breathing diagnosed last week by ENT specialist after 2 months of mucus in throat and me constantly clearing my throat. Been really breathless off and on in parts yesterday and today and a friend said my breathlessness was due to acid reflux.. have given in and reached for my steroid tablets. Didn't want to but my peak flow has gone from 360 to 220

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I have loads of things wrong with me now and thought i was fit 3 years ago.

All mine started when me and the wife stopped smoking and vaped for 11 day's we both got acid reflux mine worse than the wife and lost 3 stone because of mucus on my throat use to almost make me panic.

Then because of all the weight loss sent me for ct scan and told me i have emphysema and other things, plus they tested me for reflux and i have a hiatus hernia / sticky valve and ive had gallstone for 20 years. I use to wakeup choking and they told me acid is going in my luings and that's why i wakeup choking.

Last lung funtion was last week and it's now lower than when i got first got told.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Respiritory Nurse has told me to stop spiriva and has emailed GP to prescribe something else should get tomorrow hopefully.

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to Hidden]

Did you get your new inhaler today? Can I ask what you were given in the place of Spiriva? I hope it works well for you anyway.

[Hidden in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Hi yes I did this evening it's seebri breezhaler similar side effects to spiriva so we will see...really wish I could get every thing under control

[felixfm]

I have written a few time about acid reflux and how it effects life especially when suffering from COPD. Research in USA shows about 20% of COPD patients complain and are treated for Acid reflux.

The worse part for me is that my acid reflux is what’s known as ‘silent’, the acid leaks up from my stomach especially when horizontal resulting in my having to constantly clear my throat, waking suddenenly not breathing (night apnea), in the day a feeling behind the nose of nasel drip, I’ve now been told it’s not mucus but results from the acid reflux, my voice was horse, my throat felt red raw not to mention no,I got fits.

Last September I experienced the worse flare up I’d ever suffered, it really frightened me, although my doctor was sympathetic he really didn’t believe in the connection between the reflux and my COPD, he putting me on a course of Raberprazole 20gms, which I have to say was much more effective than Lamoprozole and Omeprozole, he also revered me to athroat specialist to check if I had any damage to my voicebox. Thankfully the damagewasn’t significant but did reveal my Laranx had be come a little loose this was jointly through the use of an inhale and the reflux, the specialist reassured me all was okay.

Since that time I have radically changed my diet, cut out sugar, I eat small but frequent meals, cut out highly spiced foods as well as foods that irritate my stomach. Having never thought and in truth have been somewhat dismissive about people with faddy diets vegans, vegetarian, gluten/dairy free but now after 6 months on my new regime I have not had another flare up, although I limited dairy and gluten at the beginning I’ve slowly reintroduced foods and noting if they effect me or not. Oh and the toughest thing to get a handle on, I share with pretty well everyone else I’d stress or rather avoiding it..

I do keep a note of my stress levels if higher than normal, food that my have caused a problem in my diary. I wish I could report totally free of reflux but it’s a million times better, I’m also determined to avoid taking any more pills that I need to, my fall back is Gaviston double action.

Finally I think I should mention I’m not and haven’t been over weight and I also exercise regularly. As I’m in Stage 3 with my COPD it’s most important I maintain a healthy weight, due to the effort of breathing eating up calories it’s so important not to become under weight. Although I don’t eat a lot of meat I do enjoy a high protein diet, lots of fresh vegetables and I’ve even found an appetite for lumens and pulses!

I wish you well, the great thing about this forum is you’ll never be alone as there’s always someone who experienced or suffering in a similar way to you, somehow I find that most comforting the knowledge it’s not just me.

[Hidden in reply to felixfm]

Thank you for that I have silent reflux as have no heart burn this all appear to start when I stated my spiriva inhaler my nose became congested on nasal spray for that also on forstair 100/6 and ventolin inhaler

I have a very sore throat for w days and been on omerprazole for the last 10 days . Determined to get a handle on this

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to Hidden]

I've been experiencing nausea, hiccups and generally what I presume to be reflux every evening for the past few months, and I started taking Spiriva in September. 🤔

[Hidden in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Do you think.its related as well

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to Hidden]

I don't know, in fact until recently it didn't occur to me that it could be related. A couple of weeks ago someone said about having reflux since starting Spiriva and it made me think maybe there's something to it. It's gradually got worse so I hadn't really noticed it at first. Spiriva does help me somewhat, but the nausea every evening is getting wearing, I run to the bathroom thinking I'm going to be sick but nothing comes, just a terrible acidic feeling.

[felixfm in reply to Hidden]

You will, read up on COPD and Acid Reflux online. There’s recipe books specifically for Acid reflux avoiding agrievating ingredients on Amazon (free access for short period of kindle versions & way cheaper).

No change is easy but once the reflux has calmed down you can develope what’s best for you.

I also use a sea water nasel spray ( you can buy from any chemist)

In the morning, this was passed on to me by a fellow sufferer and it does help. Another bit of advise I lessen was to sleep on

my left side, this too has been of use although my doctor totally thought it silly...but if it works for you, doesn’t cost nor harm you then give it a go and you may well fine you feel better.

Bye for now

[Hidden in reply to felixfm]

Thank you

[O2Trees in reply to felixfm]

Your doctor has a poor knowledge of the structure of the stomach then felix - as you probably know the entrance from the oesophagus is lower down on the right hand side of the stomach meaning that when you are lying on your left side gravity will keep the acid in the stomach - better anyway than if you were on your back or especially right hand side.

Ive slept on my left for years. Very occasionally I wake up on my back, never on the right hand side. And although I have Barretts, reflux doesnt really trouble me.

[Inamoment in reply to O2Trees]

I know this but I'm the other way round, maybe i was put together inaccurately? The valve at the top of my stomach is damaged, i wonder if that is why

[O2Trees in reply to Inamoment]

Do you mean the LES - lower oesophical spincter at the bottom of the oesophagus - when you say your valve is damaged? I ask as damage in the form of a loosening of the valve which should be tight shut except when letting food into the stomach is what causes reflux. But maybe you meant something more than this?

[Inamoment in reply to O2Trees]

Yes exactly that. Valve is easier to spell!

[O2Trees in reply to Inamoment]

- I didnt spell it right anyway! But when you say the valve is damaged, do you mean something extra to the general loosening that all of us with reflux have? I wasnt sure from your reply.

[BrianTaylor in reply to O2Trees]

I never knew that. I feel I’ve got a mountain to climb with understanding my various illnesses!

[BrianTaylor in reply to felixfm]

Cracking reply there, very informative 😎

[Grayjay]

Some excellent feedback. I have had Acid Reflux for quite a long time, maybe 20 years. My saviour from the horrible effects of this is Lanzoprazol tablets which stop the production of stomach acid, I couldn't manage without them . Also review your diet and don't eat anything near to bedtime, maybe after 2 or 3 hours before.

[Whitechinchilla]

My first attack in the middle of the night put me in A and E with later every test in the book for a heart attack.

The best solution for Silent Reflix is to cut out completely, all citrus food, chocolate, wine, tomatoes, all dairy produce except soft cheese. onions and garlic as a start, Emily. Even pasta and bread can cause discomfort.

I am a life long vegan so for me that was very difficultl, but together with PPIs like Pantaprozole it does work. Also Apple cider vinegar and. Bicarbonate are good but diet and stress are massive triggers for me. Sometimes even I cannot tell whether my cough is COPD or reflux, as I cough when I bend my head and dry food like crackers are a nightmare.

Persevere with the change in diet and it will help. We are all so different and I could write a book on my thoughts about reflux!!

You have had some good answers but research it and find what works for you.

Good wishes

[O2Trees in reply to Whitechinchilla]

When I was dxd with reflux I found this far more disabling than the copd I already had. But the standard triggers you list vary from person to person. Another one is green apples - red are fine for me. Sounds like it's really hard for you Whitechinchilla.

[Whitechinchilla in reply to O2Trees]

Thank you for your kind words.

I e just weaned myself off PPIs when I discovered that I had been taking them for 10 years. Don’t ask how that happened as I truly do not know.

Interestingly not taking them at all I have been able to reintroduce a few foods very slowly and in small quantities. I had forgotten about apples until you mentioned them.

It is a very unpleasant condition but bizarrely like all change one eventually adapts.

That said the damage done by incessant coughing is worrying as I only diagnosed with mild gastritis and a sliding hernia after an endoscopy a year ago. I must check the NICE guidelines to see whether there should be follow up to ensure nothing sinister has developed over time.

That’s a story for another day.

I don’t mean to detract from Emily’s difficulties but was pleased to read your comments as clearly you have educated yourself on the condition.

Many thanks again.

[O2Trees in reply to Whitechinchilla]

I only know the guidelines for Barretts Oesophagus which I have and that's a follow-up endoscopy every 2 years. Certainly worth checking especially if you continue to get symptoms.

PPIs are problematic and Im interested you weaned yourself off them. There is thinking that PPIs can make the problem worse, because when we get older we have less stomach acid to digest our food and taking something which reduces it even further will worsen our digestion. That tends to be an alternative view. Also they can make it harder to absorb nutrients like magnesium for instance so I take supplements to combat deficiencies.

I learn a lot from an organisation called Reflux MD - a U.S. site for specialist reflux physicians. I'm sure you can google it and they have a newsletter you can sign up for, as well as the information on their site.

[Whitechinchilla in reply to O2Trees]

Thank you for that O2 Trees.Much appreciated.

I love this site as every day I learn something new.

I did the “ bicarbonate” test, four times and told my gp I had low acid as I was not tested for high or low and I gather that is the norm in the U.K.

As you said I had done some research and knew what happened as we got older. Sadly my gp was not interested. It was only when I changed to another gp in the practice who listened to my concerns and was quite happy for me to wean myself of.. 2 or 10 doctors I guess we get 2 or 10 different opinions?

Thanks for your help. It truly is appreciated.

With good wishes.

[O2Trees in reply to Whitechinchilla]

2 or 10 opinions? How true. I take a maintenance dose of 15mg lansoprazole and have been told three different times in the day to take it by 3 different medics. Hey ho!

[Whitechinchilla in reply to O2Trees]

Thanks have just signed up.

[Hidden in reply to Whitechinchilla]

I am glad I can at least eat soft cheese. I had already changed my diet didn't realise garlic and onion those two will be hard. Think stress is making it worse..I actually became more breathless after my appointment with nurse. I didn't even get told what my results mean. Got skin appointment coming up well tomorrow and stressed about that. Dad's dementia taken a dip..I hate the constant clearing of my throat but to be fair not doing it as much. It is worse at night..things I don't have is chocolates and did notice the last time I had chocolate it created more mucud. I already have apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon mixed with water so that's good..Brown bread I still have. It's lent so I have given up meat until Easter. I feel I need to weight gain, although I am not underweight

[Whitechinchilla in reply to Hidden]

I agree Emily about stress. I get anxious the minuet I walk into the surgery. Stupid I know and I seem totally unable to control it.

Hope you are feeling better overall.

Good wishes

[Maximonkey]

Hi Emily, I suffer from reflux and the only time my throat hurts is when I have not taken any medication and I have eaten a spicy meal/wine. The acid from the stomach burns and it is pretty hard to get rid of it. Milk helps followed by Gavison Extra strong. I have not suffered from breathing difficulties with reflux, however, as I suffer from Bronchiectasis which is effected by reflux and can make my condition worse I am very aware I must control the reflux. I am writing a blog to everyone regarding reflux, so maybe my findings will help you.

Good luck and take care. Maximonkey

[Whitechinchilla in reply to Maximonkey]

I don’t mean to intrude but my antenna just picked up your comment Maximonkey about a blog. I would be very interested if you feel you could share? Many thanks in advance.

Good wishes

[Maximonkey in reply to Whitechinchilla]

Hi Whitechinchilla, I have posted a blog regarding reflux but wouldn't you know I cannot find it now. I shall search it out and resend to the community. Maximonkey

[Whitechinchilla in reply to Maximonkey]

Thanks so much. Look fwd to hearing from you. Good wishes

[Maximonkey in reply to Whitechinchilla]

Hi Whitechinchilla, I cannot find the blog either, but it was essentially about me discovering that if I take my tablets for reflux before my main meal I do not suffer from reflux. I have always been told by my doctor and chemist (because I have Bronchiectasis) to take my meds at night to avoid reflux during sleep. However, it was not working for me so I changed to taking it early evening before my dinner. I have not suffered from reflux since even though I go out for a meal and have wine occasionally. Hope this helps. Maximonkey

[Gazza01 in reply to Maximonkey]

I find milk the very worst of all things for reflux.

[Maximonkey in reply to Gazza01]

Hi Gazza01, milk has not worked for me either except when I have chewed a Gaviscon and still had the burning feeling in my throat. I find a small drink of milk calms my throat. Hope this helps. Take care Maximonkey

[O2Trees]

Hi Emily, has anyone mentioned that breathing difficulty resulting from reflux means it's harder to breathe IN, which is different to copd and asthma where breathing out is the main problem.

This happens when acid breaches the upper oesophageal value and reaches the airways, causing irritation.

[Hidden in reply to O2Trees]

Thank you never ending mucus at back of throat not there so much but this feeling of breathlessness is..walked for miles and breathing fine sit down and it's back