choking from acid reflux

Hi. I too have been suffering with GERD and LPR for about two years. It affects me mostly at night and wakes me up constantly. I have been to sleep specialists and also diagnosed with sleep apnea. Does anyone else have a combination of these 2 illnesses? The sleep apnea is worse on nights when I eat dinner late or have had a heavy meal. I had to figure all of this out for myself as the doctors don't seem to see a connection between the 2.

When I have reflux at night, it kicks up into my throat. I wake up with an extremely dry,sticky mouth and have concluded that when i have reflux, my windpipe closes to prevent the acid from going into my lungs and because I have sleep apnea, the muscles in my throat relax and the stickiness causes me to stop breathing for a bit.

This may sound strange but I need to get some answers. I am considering talking to my doctor about the Esophx procedure to stop the GERD. I don't want to go thru surgery and this is a minor procedure. Any suggestions?

bk in nj

Welcome to the GERD Forum. Have you ever had a sleep apnea study and do you use a bi-pap?

I agree with you, make that appointment to see your physician and discuss your concerns with him.  Your concerns are very real.

Again a warm welcome.

Kitt

Burning acid choking suffocating - just happened to me an hour ago.

I must say I was was very reassured to find comments here on choking;  good to know that I may pass out but won't die

Part of my problem is i think, that I have to lie on my stomach ie face down, because of a problem with vertigo, ( which can also be very unpleasant) which gets triggered when i lie or sleep  on my back.

So i suppose it may be a toss up between vertigo or choking on burning acid! some choice!!

there seems to be plenty of good advice on the web, so I know what I should do, and surely I can make a few lifestyle cahnges to avoid it.

Any thoughts or ideas welcome.

Thanks for sharing Karly, K9 and others - its good to know that others have suffered the same thing too - LOL

Hi There Oldladyovernight,

The prilosec should help. I have the same problem.  A few things also will help. First a wedge pillow. This will raise your head and your torso, This will help prevent the acid from coming up, gravity doing its  job.  Second , dont eat at least 2 hours before bedtime. I dont know when you take the prilosec, but I'm on Zegerid, and I take it before bedtime. Its made a big difference. Also check for possible allergens. The allergens can cause nasal drip, which the stomach interprets as food, and thus creating more acid. I was told by my internist that a epi-pen may help in severe cases. He heard it from an paramedic.

Take Care,

Cordelia

Welcome to HealingWell and the GERD and Heartburn Forum.  I am so glad you found us and yes I have seen other members post that sx. Have you been seen by a pysician?  If not I would start with a good physical by your PCP and find out just how serious your sx are.

Please stick with us and know we care and are here to support you.

Again a warm welcome

Kitt

When I was 35Y/O I remember taking  Darvon Compound for pain.  It was a capsule enclosing a yellow powder and even after 20-30 minutes if I burped, the yellow powder would come up and out my mouth. Over the years I occasionally mentioned it to the MD's who showed no concern.  I soon started having a chronic cough and after a few years was treated for asthma with medications and allergy shots with very little success.

about 10-12 Y/A the medical world decided that we could have GERD even if the ONLY symptom was a chronic cough.  I did the tests (Upper Endoscopy) and it was definitive.  They also labeled me with Barrett's Esophogus which is where the gastric cells creep up into the lower part of the esophogus where they don't belong.  It is a precursor to cancer but only in 2% of people with Barrett's develop it.  I was already on Advair 500/50,  amd singulair so they added protonix and axid.  By the way, my current G.I doctor listened to me about the Darvon and said what I knew all along.......I had GERD for a long, long time

I elevated the entire top of my bed with 6 inch blocks (pillow under the head doesn't get the right angle) and did fairly well except that I still have the cough from the GERD but because of the meds the Barrett's is in remission.

I, too, have had a few episodes of being unable to breathe........HORRIBLE could only exhale but couldn't inhale for about 15 seconds.  Glad to hear that I'm not the only one.

Anyway, I am now reading about a noninvasive(no surgical cutting) procedure done under anesthesia called the EsophyX which was first done in the University of Pittsburgh Sept 2008 where they actually form a new valve to "cure" GERD in a high percentage of patients.  It is better than the other procedure in that it can be done the same day or one overnight and the advantage is that it is reversible if for any reason that's necessary.  Sorry this is so long  but it's nice to know many others are in the same boat.

Hi I am new to the forum.   I have suffered from acid reflux desease since i was 9.

I am not always able to afford my prescriptions and I am so addicted to sweets (sugar causes MORE acid reflux)

So i am no stranger to feeling like i am going to die from choking from acid reflux so I make sure I always have Tums near me (kitchen, bedroom,purse, car etc.)  When acid comes up I remain calm and chew 3 to 4 tums quickly. I know it feels like you can't swallow at first but the quicker you break them up and swallow the quicker you feel relief. Bread or bananas help absorb the acid too. Make sure you dont go to long without eating either because that causes acids to build up in your stomach. when my stomachs at it's worst i eat a few Tums before going to bed.

But of course this is only emergency relief. You need see your physician for the best solution. 

Welcome to HealingWell and the GERD/Heartrbrun Forum.

I am so glad you found us and I know you are going to find tons of information here that will help you understand GERD and the many treatment options.

Please do feel comfortable starting a thread of your own.    
 

If you click on the following link you will find general information that may help you:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=1483795

Support groups are a place for people to give and receive both emotional and practical support as well as to exchange information. People with health conditions, as well as their friends and families find support groups to be a valuable resource and get confirmation that their feelings are "normal", educate others, or just let off steam. IMHO joining a support group is joining a family.  Welcome to the GERD/Heartburn Family.

Kitt

Worst feeling EVER!  Scary -- you wake up (always from a deep, deep sleep) and can't breathe. As another poster said, you have to exhale.  I let out a scream and then I can start to breathe again.  The next thing to deal with is the stomach acid in the throat.  And sometimes, soiled pillowcases (yuck!).

KEEP A SUPPLY OF ALKA-SELTZER ON HAND AT ALL TIMES.  Two Alka-Seltzers (generic is fine) dissolved in water will reduce the acid, and as you swallow it, the bubbles will help dissipate the stomach acid that clings to the inside of your throat and burns.  It works better than water, orange juice or soda.  Then, when you're able, give your teeth a good brushing.  That will also help get rid of the acid and just generally help you feel better & cleaner.

Awful, awful condition.  I sometimes forget and eat popcorn or something less than 3 hours before going to bed, and that will bring it on every time.  Beer, pasta and milk are also culprits (which means no warm milk before bedtime, LOL).  But eggs, bacon, roast beef, etc. (high protein) in small quantities are safer. 

Good luck to all fellow sufferers!

Elaine