I was diagnosed with mild COPD 3 years ago - female, mid 50’s, ex smoker, generally fit and well, 52kg, with no lung difficulties whatsoever except when used to catch a cold. Around the same time I also developed bouts of GERD, not thought to be serious at the time, but over last 12 months it has got much worse.
I’m now at the point when I eat anything it sets it off, last month ending up with a r/lung infection and pain inside my r/breast - without having caught a cold. My right lung and breast pain i have now figured-out is definitely linked to what I eat (I’ve lost 10lbs in last 2 weeks, experimenting not eating on/off and it doesn’t happen when I don’t eat) and I’m wondering whether anyone else has this connected gastric and lung issues?
The GERD when it’s bad seems to gets into my chest behind breast bone, effects my throat and voice, and I can feel it in my r/lung, neck, arm pit, upper arm, lower back and shoulder blade! I’ve been sleeping on my left side as I know this helps at night but when I eat the next day it all sets off again!
Any others experience this and any thoughts on whether this is normal progression of copd and/or is this causing or worsening my lung issues?
(Mammogram was clear, awaiting chest X-ray results. Since seeing dr have made the reflux connection).
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With the caveat that I’m not remotely medically qualified. Persistent reflux left untreated can result in acid aspirating into the airways, and that’s not good for anyone, with or without a respiratory disease. Aspirate pneumonia is the worst case scenario, but at best, when reflux effects the lungs it causes inflammation, which can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, increased cough, wheeze, and chest congestion. Reflux is also not good for the oesophagus and larynx either, or a pleasant experience generally. Occasional bouts are one thing and they happen to most people every now and then, but persistent reflux needs both managing and investigating. Some people (like me) have no obvious underlying cause, but there are a number of reasons you can have persistent reflux ranging from h.pylori infection to a hernia. Whilst you work out what’s causing it, I’d be asking the GP for a PPI (like omeprazole) so that it’s not continuing to cause damage to soft tissues, or exacerbating lung symptoms. And so you’re not uncomfortable!
Thank you for your thoughts and time in responding to my post. I agree the reflux needs investigating (again) and now managing as a matter of urgency! I’m hoping the lung X-ray shows little change (from 3yrs ago) and then this time my reflux may be taken seriously… 2years ago I had it monitored with a tube up my nose (for 24hrs) and told not to eat anything that set it off. As I guessed the results then suggested I had nothing of any significance and was given Lansoprazole as/when needed. I’ve managed to secure a gp appointment for next Tuesday as my current management of it is definitely unsustainable!
I have very mixed feelings on pH studies; my daughter had one as a baby due to constant projectile vomiting, and as she only had a couple of spikes in the 24 hours, we were told GORD categorically was not an issue. They bronched her a month later because of being persistently unwell with her chest (she has cystic fibrosis) and found her vocal chords were literally red raw from silent reflux. She ended up on twice the standard adult dose of omeprazole from then on, gaviscon added to her formula, and thickener added to all liquids for about 4 years. Some 13 years on from that pH study she has hideous reflux without the same whopping dose of omeprazole each day, and still gets occasional breakthrough. I was having reflux on a daily basis with acid literally coming out of my nose and other than a chest x-ray (looking for a hernia), was given omeprazole and sent on my way. The view then was it was my size (I was morbidly obese at the time), but at a healthy weight, I’m still terrible for it. Haven’t had my own pH study, but they did test me a bit more subsequently and have so far determined it’s just ‘one of those things’. I’m quite disheartened that they’ve not intervened with you in terms of management in the interim, mind; long term PPI use isn’t overly popular, but there is a place for it where clinically indicated, even without an underlying condition.
Wow I found your ongoing thoughts and experiences all very interesting and what a nightmare re your daughters early issues. When it first presented for me, and then they seemingly dismissed it, I just used to avoid all foods that I knew set it off, or grin and bear the consequences of having a drink or a blow out! Definitely in the last few months it seems to have stepped up a gear, and I have been worried in last few weeks figuring out that it’s now seemingly causing problems with my chest. I shall keep you posted and thank you for your thoughts and personal experiences. In the meantime I shall continue to eat a bland diet!
Have you had your liver and or gallbladder checked. The right sided pain you are describing could also be caused by gallstones or a biliary issue. Eating fat in particular sets of gallbladder attacks and pain in that area,as the pain and symptoms go away when you don’t eat it doesn’t sound like progression of COPD causing your symptoms.
Hi TiaThank you for taking the time to respond to my post. Your thoughts are very interesting and something I had also been exploring online. I do also get slight right hand bloating/discomfort just under my right rib cage (3ish ribs up) so I had been wondering whether a digestive issue was the underlying cause here.
I’ve managed to secure a GP appointment today for next week and trying to write down everything I want to highlight in advance. I always come away wishing I’d said this and that, and want to make helpful suggestions and not come across as thinking everything’s wrong with me!
It does sound like Biliary pain , the lungs don’t really extend much below the sternum so pain that low down the ribcage is not so likely to be lungs. Hope the GP can help with some answers I think I would ask for a referral for ultrasound of the organs in that area if the GP does not suggest it. Good luck. Keep us updated. xx My Gallbladder is still under investigation lol.
Yes my thoughts are along yours Tia, it’s digestion and my lungs are just catching the tail end. Relief in feeling the lungs aren’t cause, but concerned too the former may be compromising latter! Sorry to hear you have problems too. I hope they figure yours out in due course. Nothing more frustrating than having been used to eat what we like than the body now saying I don’t think so! X
Hi, there are foods that combat gerd, acid reflux, slices of apple, pieces of sweet red pepper, are very effective after eating. Also I take an apple cider vinegar capsule before lunch and before my evening meal. The keto diet, no starches, or sugar or processed food is excellent. No need to take medication.
Hello CalmThank you for your reply and insights into foods that are good/bad/work well for you. Now I’ve figured out it’s a digestive issue I’ve been reading up and about to start experimenting too. I’m pretty good with my diet but I had noticed over last 6mths starches and any sugars seemed to send it into overdrive. I’m going to pop apples and sweet red peppers on my shopping order now! Thank you again and best wishes .
Hi MartinThank you for your reply. Yes I wondered about hiatus hernia and hoping this will perhaps be on the radar of things to investigate. I can only manage small portions of food now without feeling very uncomfortable and alcohol is a definite no (even alcohol free spirit! 🙆🏼♀️🙇🏼♀️) It all escalated massively after a celebration weekend and I’ve not felt the same since. Fingers crossed they’ll look into and some explanation can be found, but in the meantime it’s very helpful to talk to people who experience similar.
I had increasing shortness of breath and reflux both occur at the same time. A HRCT scan found I have pulmonary fibrosis and a small hiatus hernia. When I seen the respiratory specialist she said it was imperative to control the GERD symptoms as small micro particles of the acid exacerbate the scarring in the lung. I already used a PPI currently using lansoprazole, but find I now can’t tolerate large portions. So I’ve reduced my portion size and use gaviscon regularly. I also have to sleep on a slight incline, so thankful for my electric bed
Hello Maureen,Thank you for your reply, as the reply above also suggested investigation for a hiatus hernia I think needs to be explored. Like you I can only do tiny potions without feeling uncomfortable and definitely anxious ref reflux seemingly going into my lungs. How wonderful you have an electric bed, if I can’t sort my issues I might invest in one too. I also find Gavison provides some relief. I think trial and error sums up my diet atm. Best wishes and I hope you continue to manage your situation well.
Had this since stopping smoking 5 years ago but doctors said it's not related to stopping but all problems started when i did. My acid comes up into my throat all the time gives all sorts of problems. I have gallstones and hiatus hernia but they still wont do nothing to try to fix it.
My hostpital told me i suffercate every 5 seconds in my sleep because of the acid going in my lungs and my brain shutting them down trying to stop it. My lungs have progressed alot in the last few years and im sure it's from the acid.
Hi Jonny,Thanks for your reply, wow just like me, yours all started after stopping smoking. It’s strange for me, in that I hardly ever taste or sense the acid there, I just know something is reaching all the parts I mentioned in my initial post! I don’t sleep particularly well either (according to my fit bit) only about 5 half hrs disturbed sleep in total - I have wondered if this it is the cause. The chest infection I had, felt like it had gone from my lung through the chest wall and into my breast, but so far nothing to support this.
I can sense I’m in for a difficult journey here, as 2 gps at my surgery suggested over the telephone (when I had the chest infection) that it was anxiety and proceeded to lecture me about antibiotic misuse. A week later i was prescribed them and the infection is now completely gone so I feel for you in them not doing anything for you.
I don't trust any of them all useless. i always search the net and talk to others i find it's the best way to help solve things. Are you taking tablets for the acid i take two a day they do help a bit, also drink water that dilutes the acid so it's not as strong.
I tend to agree with you ref the help we receive. I’m trying to get my head around what I’m going to say to my gp next week. Unless the lung X-ray shows anything, I fear all will be dismissed, and yes I’m taking Lansoprazole (30mg) once a day (they’ve been on repeat prescription last 3 yrs and taken on/off without them ever discussing my digestive issues since!) I have been trying to drink more water owing to having a dry mouth, but makes sense that would help dilute the acid 👍🏻. I just know apart from all this, I’m not falling into any other health risk area, as not overweight and no heart/circulation issues (work full time and stand/walk 9+ hrs a day) so trying to figure this out doing my head in!
Thank you for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate learning others experiences.
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