Silent reflux

[Shazbott12]

Hi I have astma and silent reflux I am on montelukast and lansoprazole and gaviscon. Along with a lot more for anxiety stress etc . I have had no voice now for over a year no one can hear me I’m breathless when I try and talk and can’t walk far. I was under the ent but since COVID they discharged me which over the phone they stated they was changing the appointment. I went to see my dr he said stay on gaviston for another 4 months see how you get on before I can refer you back to the hospital I thinking do I stop the montelukast something is making my voice go I’m scarred that it’s gone a lot further as before my voice would come back but now it won’t please help

[CANINE12]

I also have silent reflux, I ended up having a Nissan fundoplication operation which helped.

I'm still on Montelucast and have no problems with my voice now. The reflux was definitely the culprit in my case.

I was referred to Prof Alyn Maurice who runs the cough clinic in Hull, (a few hours drive but worth it). He specialises in reflux cough (same as silent reflux). He explained that gaseous mist rises from the stomach irritating the vagus nerve which is connected to the vocal cords, lungs and stomach. It runs down the left side of the body. So when it is triggered it can cause hoarse voice, voice cutting out and bronchospasm (asthma symptoms).

Stress doesn't help, so if you are able to understand the mechanics that may help you feel more empowerment in coping.

There are other specialists round the country who also treat silent reflux. I asked my GP to refer me straight to Prof Alyn Maurice which they did no problem.

I hope this helps, in the meantime if you can identify foods that trigger symptoms and avoid them that will help. What may affect one person won't necessarily affect another. I can eat tomatoes but others find them a problem. I can't drink orange squash or any other similar drink but I'm ok with elderflower cordial.

You could ask to speak to a different GP who may be more willing to refer you quickly. Good luck.

[Shazbott12 in reply to CANINE12]

Thank you so much Im not sure what I can eat can you help

[ChrissieMons in reply to Shazbott12]

Maybe you could try an elimination diet, which means you choose things you are fairly sure won’t set you off, then add other items one at a time. Boring diet for the 1st week, mind you. Your other option is to ask your GP about talking therapies to manage your anxiety.

[Shazbott12 in reply to ChrissieMons]

Thank you that’s what I’m trying to do now

[CANINE12 in reply to Shazbott12]

There is a long list of foods that can cause reflux. If you look online you will find loads of information. Some foods for me were blatantly obviously affecting me. My asthma was triggered and I had bronchospasm immediately after. Even ice cold drinks affected me.

[Dee3506]

Montelukast has nothing to do with you loosing your voice .

[Shazbott12 in reply to Dee3506]

Thank you I’m trying my best to rule thinks out

[peege]

Which inhaler do you take? I know Seretide affected my voice a great deal. Very relieved that it returned to normal when changed inhaler. I've also taken montelukast with no side effects. P

[Shazbott12 in reply to peege]

Blue and fostair and montelukast

[peege in reply to Shazbott12]

Same here, my voice and skin much improved since taking Fostair however, we're all different. What suits one may not suit another. Good luck. P