Crackeling Sounds from Lungs

[SacramentoDoug]

I seem to have Rice Krispies in my lungs when I lay down at night. I am a healthy 55 year old guy in Sacramento CA, but feel 35. I can exercise, take long walks and hikes with no problem. I can hit the gym, bike and what ever. Breathing is 110%. Non smoker, drinker, and a vegetarian.

I have something called EE where my throat tightens up with gummy foods like sticky rice, potatoes, etc. I just found this out 6-7 years ago. But, I have no problems with it at all if I stay away from alcohol, caffeine and steroids. I have also always had bad seasonal allergies all my life.

I began about a year ago getting a slight wheezing/crackling from my breathing when I lay down in bed at night. It has slowly gotten worse over time, and worse if I lay on my left side. The current sound is very concerning.

My doctors have taken chest x-rays, I have had a breathing test for amounts I take in and how much I put out, and the pressure I can push out with. All 100%! Many have listened to my breathing front and rear with a stethoscope, and say it is totally clear. Basically, they say I am fine, and it is nothing to worry about.

I tried a steroid inhaler 2 months ago, and the crackling really began going away, until I had to stop it. It gave me insane insomnia, my throat condition flared up, and would choke me on every piece of food I tried to eat. Upon quitting the steroids, it came right back.

Now one Doc says it may be a nasal infection, and to do the nasal flush morning and night. So far, absolutely no help. She thinks it is not lung related, but the sound is in my throat. Really? I do cough a bit at times, but not bad.

I do travel all over the world for pleasure and business. Could I have picked something up? My family has a history of acid reflux.... could this be connected? I do have sleep apnea.... connection? I don't know what to try next. Frustrated and worried. I want to make it strong and healthy to 120 years old.

[astragal]

Hi Doug

It’s great that you are keeping so fit and healthy, sounds like you are doing the right things.

As Redsox said perhaps ask for a referral to a Cardiologist and possibly a Gastroenterologist.

I had popping sound when lying down, especially on left side, in my case it was a Mitral valve prolapse. Apparently not that uncommon and it hasn’t needed treatment.

Also I have LPR which is a form of reflux that doesn’t cause heartburn, but travels up into my throat and airways. It causes a tight throat, choking, coughing and wheezing, with a popping sound often too.

Not that you may have anything like that, but it might be worthwhile checking things out anyway.

Best wishes and I hope you manage to find an answer.

[Aingeful]

I would mention Pulmonary Fibrosis too . This causes crackling lungs as well. Mine didnt show up on an x ray,it needed a CT scan.

[HungryHufflepuff]

Hi Doug, it's great that you're so fit and well 😊 Keep on doing what you're doing as it's obviously working for you.

Have you tried sleeping with several pillows. If the crackling sounds only occur when you lay down this might help prevent it . I have enough pillows that I'm almost upright. It doesn't cure anything but makes things easier, and if your crackling sounds stop, or not, it could be something you can tell your doctor. Wishing you all the best.

[Tryfan]

Hi Doug

Message from Wales. Love Sacramento. I have relatives in Nevada City, Grass Valley. See you like cars. My Nephew in Grass Valley builds racing engines for Minis -amongst other stuff. Hope to get over for another vacation soon.

Anyway. Lots of good advice already given. Have you had any allergy tests. I had late onset Asthma caused when I moved house, different pollen and different house mite dust. You could try and narrow down any allergens yourself. Trial and error. Either in the environment - cats, dogs, horses-animals, then plants, then foods. Latter foods, gastric reflux can cause congestion.

You are doing the best for yourself, diet, fitness and lifestyle.

I think I would add one more to your list-stop worrying.

[SacramentoDoug in reply to Tryfan]

Thanks Tryfan, I have made no home moves in 18 years. We have no pets, and have a very spotless clean house, with no raised foundation for mice. We have no livestock anywhere near us. Maybe an allergy test would be good. Maybe I am just getting old, and this is normal.... hahahaha

I travel up through Grass Valley often on drives with car clubs. Really nice area. Ever seen Empire Mine? My daily drivers are both British.... McLaren 650 and Lotus Elise. That is my real sickness.... cars! My family is from Nottingham, so gotta support the country. Love Wales, and have been there often when younger.

Thanks

[Tryfan]

Doug. Glad you support Lotus. They need all the support they can get. My nephew Jemal is rebuilding a Lotus Elan. Could eat my heart out. As your car mad give him an email [e-mail] you will find him very interesting and very knowledgeable about all things that make a loud noise.

Hope all works out for you on the health front.

David Jones aka Tryfan (a favourite mountain in Snowdonia)