Breathing difficulties

[vladster]

Hi board.

Three years ago (at the age of 39) I got diagnosed with "asthma" after being sick for 2 months from some kind of flu. I was always suspicious about this diagnosis as Asthma meds offered very little relief. Also I have never suffered from any breathing difficulties whatsoever. My breathing difficulties now are persistent.... throughout the day. After reading a bit on the internet and stumbling upon some websites that claim if you have problem breathing in, not breathing out (which I do) to get checked for silent reflux. Also at this point I was getting some classic reflux episodes like a lump in throat.

So I made an appointment for endoscopy in Bangkok and indeed I was diagnosed with reflux and small hiatal hernia. I got prescribed Periet (which I think is rabeprazole) and while it did help with lump feeling in throat it didn't help much with breathing. However, recently I discovered a generic version of omeprazole which when I take in the morning it does help with my breathing. However, when I take it for longer than 3-4 days, my breathing starts to be bad again.

I am really confused and would appreciate some help. I read about vagus nerve, acid going into lungs I think I tried pretty much everything. One thing is that I live in Thailand and doctors here are by the book. I don't think many are even aware of silent reflux. I am actually Canadian and thinking about going back just to get a proper diagnosis.

Another think is that I had bad sinuses all my life. I am barely allergic to anything, so I am starting to think that sinus difficulties are also due to reflux and my breathing issues are due to post nasal drip.

Any help would be appreciated.

[vladster]

I am bumping this thread in hope someone can give me some answers. Less than 2 weeks ago I made the previous post and after reading some forums (I actually think it's this one) there was a woman who suggested taking digestive enzymes with activated charcoal to treat LPR.

Lo and behold after 3 years of trying asthma meds, omeprazole, various anti acids, antibiotics (for h pylori), nasal rinse, anti depressants like elavil and various antiacids I can say my breathing has improved 90%. What I mean is I can breathe in without much difficulty. I am really feeling better thanks to this anonymous person on the board.

There is another thing, however. Today, for the first time I got a real acid reflux symptom. What I mean is that acid came all the way out through my mouth. This has never really happened to me before and I am thinking it has to be somehow due to enzymes I am taking (I am taking combizym).

So, I am basically sharing what I do and looking for any advice someone can offer.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the GERD forum.

May I ask, are you still taking the other med as well as the OTC omeprazole ? Both are PPI's and will do the same  thing for you, I am guessing they are a different dosage.....

Since you think you have sinus issues look into that being why you have reflux...post nasal drip can cause stomach acids to build up.

Elevate the head of your bed, talk to your Dr about trying a H2blocker instead of a PPI med and modify your diet and lifestyle to help the meds .

Since I have been on a H2b and an antihistamine I am doing better with my reflux and PND issues....

Keep us posted on your progress.