Anyone ever had stomach acid from reflux enter their lungs?

[DaveT81]

Hey all, been on and off here over the past 3-4 months and still not gotten anywhere with my NHS and private doctors!

I'm sill having absolutely awful breathing problems 4 months down the line with no end in sight. Had every test under the sun, spirometry, chest x-ray, CT scan, heart echo. Had a scope last month (still awaiting biopsy results) and have manomatry next week but nothing has come out. For all intents and purposes, I'm perfectly fine and healthy.

Obviously, the first response would be 'it's all in your head' but it isn't. I can assure anyone who asks. Right now, I'm almost gasping, I've done some walking this morning and feel exhausted. I got out of breath having a shower this morning. I'm also 37.

I have definite stomach/gastro issues. Symptoms of reflux, chest 'fullness', gassy, bloated, having to eat a gluten free diet at the moment and I'm even having some problems eating some gluten free foods.

I have a whole load of problems going on, I've been off work over 2 months but my main issue is still breathing issues.

So basically, my question is: have any of you guys/girls had reflux that has led to stomach acid entering your lungs? I'm at a loss at the moment, so many things have been ruled out but there's a definitive link because each time I eat something really carby or a big meal my breathing gets so much worse.

I - rather stupidly - had a few drinks with my wife over the weekend. From the following day up to now my breathing has been chronic. Just can't find any explanation and it's really starting to wear me down.

[Hawaiiguy]

Have you done an endoscopy ? And a stress test ?

[Hawaiiguy]

When I walk, I get bloated and can’t breathe.

[DaveT81]

Seems mad to me that nobody has suffered with this before.

Not that I'm saying that's what I have, but would just be good to find somebody who has and compare symptoms to see if they're similar.

Banging my heads against brick walls here now..

[Pussycat432]

Very similar to me really but all my probs seem to come from under n around left rib after I lifted a heavy trash bag few weeks after I have pain n then acid reflux thick lump in throat was told I had gastritis but that was after first ultrasound was given omperazole 20mg I've had breathing difficulties since which is now 15m approx I even ended up taken to hosp with the pain they did X-ray chest. It was clear bloods clear. Don't understand how I can be in pain pressure pain as if something is bursting to come out I feel like Incredible Hulk stomach is huge. The pain went into left shoulder blade that has subsided but pressure is now coming into middle near tummy button into my back breathing is awful when I walk or bend down it feels as if I can't get enough air in, if I go on ten min walk I have to stop as exhausted I'm booked for ultrasound in 3 days time praying it's not the big C I'm a non smoker n non drinker

[Pussycat432]

Forgot to say terrible gas.

[AlbaO]

Hi Dave. I seem to have something similar - breathlessness problems together with what seems to be a reflux disease. I have been thinking it might actually be asthma? I was also prescribed manometry (mainly because I suffer from dysphagia), but after 'quite an' experience with gastroscopy, I am putting it off for now. I see now that you posted this question 2 years ago. I'd be very interesting to learn have you had any relief since...I think we are of similar age, I will be 39 soon...

[DaveT81 in reply to AlbaO]

Hi Albao, no, unfortunately. Not gotten anywhere. I DID get a 'breathing dysfunction' diagnosis from an NHS respiratory doctor but I don't agree with him as the suggestion there is that I'm hyperventilating (or the opposite). The one thing doctors always ignore is that we know our own bodies better than they do, we just need help to understand what's going on, and I can tell you that this isn't hyperventilation.

I have reflux, and when that's quite bad it does make my breathing worse, but I suspect that's at least in part due to the acid rising and inflaming my airways, throat, etc. and also you can't discount globus pharyngis; do you ever get a lump or feeling like there's something stuck in your throat, closing off your breathing a little bit more?

It could be asthma, so definitely get that looked into. I've had multiple tests on my lungs, lung function, walking tests, pulmonary tests but nothing but good lungs showed. So I'm convinced it's a neurological problem that's causing me muscular weakness. I've since been diagnosed with ME/CFS as well which was probably either caused by, or goes hand-in-hand with, the same physical weaknesses/problems.