I have been suffering with acid reflux for years. Initially the doctor incorrectly diagnosed me with anxiety and treated me with antidepresent tablets for 3 years based on the symptoms displayed.
3 years later after taking anti depresent tablets all that time and increasing symptoms getting worse, he finally realized it was acid reflux causing me to be short of breath and panic.
A scope performed confirmed H-pylori bacteria present and a hitas hernia, causing acid reflux. Now after several years of acid reflux and years of PPI use and OTC anti acids., my shortness of breath increased dramatically. Three weeks ago after suffering with increased shortness of breath I returned to my doc who sent me for more tests. The diagnosis COPD.
Apparently after years of acid reflux the constant flow of acid into my lungs have caused damage causing constant inflammation and making it harder to breathe.
Can someone with the same condition please share advice.
I know there is no healing COPD it will only get worse over time and management of the condition will become more increased.
Please help
Written by
Diezal
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Welcome to the forum Diezal, hoping you get some replies soon. My husband Pete has COPD because he smoked for years and also has acid reflux. Hope you have the right medication and support.
Welcome to the forum. You've come to the right place for advice and reassurance. Properly managed COPD deteriorates very slowly and there is plenty you can do to slow its progress. Eating healthily, taking exercise and avoiding smoke pollution are all things you can do to manage it. Ask your GP to refer you for a course of Pulmonary Rehabilitation. These are run by knowledgeable nurses and physiotherapists. They show you how to exercise safely, give you lots of information and you meet other people with similar conditions. They are usually FUN. If you can't get the information you need face to face, look on the Asthmalung web site. Best wishes for a healthier future.
Welcome to the forum. St least u can now receive appropriate treatment & as Alberta56 says look after yrself.exercise, avoid viruses as best u can( as infections& flareups often follow them) treat flareups/ infections quickly & avoid triggers eg smoke strong smells eg automatic air fresheners etc.There's lots of info on aluk website
Consider joining a singing for lung health group or following diaphragm breathing videos on YouTube. I've run a weekly singing for lung health group in Cheshire for nearly 10 years, and that plus following the sort of advice given by Alberta56 above, helped me improve my initial diagnosis of moderate COPD and stay at mild COPD for a number of years.
For several years I told my gp I thought I was suffering from acid reflux and it was causing my lung infections. Eventually he got me tested and I was diagnosed wuth a hiatus hernia. Since then I have taken daily lansoprazole.
In 2010 I was hopitalised with aspiration pneumonia. Another bout of pneumonia saw me in hospital again. I was discharge with a letter sayig I had COPD. Later, after several years of mis management by my gp, I insisted on referral to a lung consultant and was diagnosed with bronchiectasis.
Recently, after losing my voice, I was finally diagnosed with silent reflux as the evidence was the damage to my larynx.
Acid reflux can do a lot of damage and requires management, especially if it's affecting your lungs.
I believe that my bronchiectasis was caused by it and my resp consultant agrees.
If you have a lot of phlegm on a daily basis, try to follow the acb lung clearance techniques (plenty of physio advice on this on youtube. )
Also raise the head of your bed if you haven't already done so.
Do try and fit in physical activity every day. It doesn't need to be a 10 mile run! Any physical activity will help your lungs and also your digestion. Walking is good for us all, but there are chair exercises for those who find walking difficult.
Don't eat late at night. Try and leave at least 4 hours between eating and laying down.
Ask your gp or lung consultant for a referral to Pulmonary Rehab. The resp physios will help you to understand your condition and will monitor you as you go through a gentle series of exercises tailored for your needs.
Also, find out if you have a Breathe Easy group near you that you could join. The one I belong to has been a fantastic source of advice and support.
There are also health unlocked forums dealing with acid reflux. I have found them helpful as well.
Don't give up! Many people live a good long life with COPD . Mamagement is key!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Worried about COPD
COPD
Has Acid reflux caused my lung disease?
Flares of COPD /chronic bronchitis 
COPD & Covid vaccine
