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GERD affecting sinuses???

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 7/11/2012 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone!!
Ok, I'm 2 yrs post Nissen and have dealt with GERD for the last 12 years. Over the last 2 months I've had a reoccurrence of GERD-like symptoms again so I'm back on my meds and going through tests to see if I need a redo of my Nissen (oh joy!). I've had a LOT of coughing and feeling the need to clear my throat ALL the time lately and most recently it feels like my sinuses get stuffy and sometimes even burn a little bit which is new to me. Can GERD be causing my sinus symptoms?? I know it's causing my coughing and such but I've never had the sinus problem as a symptom before. It doesn't happen all the time just every once in a while. Has anyone else had this??
Posted 7/11/2012 4:45 AM (GMT 0)
When I had reflux before my surgery I had terrible sinus problems from that so yes, it is possible. I am dealing with some reflux like symptoms too and I had fundo done 10 years ago. Endoscopy with ultrasound showed gastritis so I am hoping that is what causing my problems - taking Aciphex twice a day to see if it helps. Going to Barium Swallow next week.
Posted 7/11/2012 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
I originally went to my doctor thinking I had a sinus/ear infection but instead was told that it was in fact silent gerd. I guess it is silent because i don't get the usual chest burning or lump in my throat. I was getting stuffy and my ear was hurting for no apparent reason. Mine was apparently happening at night when i would sleep and the acid would go up into my esophagus and into my sinuses/ ears. I also would get morning nausea as well. So to answer you question, yes it does happen. I thought my doctor was a little goofy but come to find out she was right.
Posted 7/12/2012 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
Oh yes it does affect your sinus and ears. I had the kind that would get up under my right ear and under the jaw bone. That part of it usually came on at night even sleeping on a wedge with 3 pillows. My sinuses would burn at times when I had GERD real bad. My nostrils were where I noticed it the most. I had never talked with anyone from around here where I live that ever had it quite like that.

I love this forum group as everyone is so helpful! Also, you do find that there are others that have had the same thing and can relate to what you are going through.

I had the Nissen Fundoplication this past March. I am at 3 1/2 months post op and feeling pretty good. I finally got my life back. I am now able to eat normal once again. From time to time I do get acid reflux but nothing like I had before. I can live with this. I understand what you are going through and how it disrupts your everyday living. I never did go on any of the meds for depression but can understand how upsetting it can be.

Posted 7/12/2012 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies!!
I just recently started to research silent GERD as I wasn't familiar with it before now. I always had the typical heartburn symptoms pre-Nissen so I've been confused lately as to what's going on with me. I'm having a Bravo test tomorrow and an upper GI next week so I'm really hoping they figure out what's going on! The coughing is getting INSANE (especially after eating and drinking bad things) and the occasional nasal burning isn't pleasant. Not that I want a second surgery (who does???) but at the same time I kinda thought I'd get more than 2 years out of my Nissen. My worst fear is that the tests results aren't anything of concern and my Dr's leave me as is, on meds, with symptoms, and miserable. Is it weird that I'd almost rather go through surgery a second time than deal with this all over again?? :-/ I'm only 31 and I feel like I lost my 20's to GERD and missed out on life. I don't think I'm ready to even partially go through that again and miss out on my 30's. It literally seemed like it was over night that I went from feeling great to holy crap I'm in a serious amount of pain (ended up in the ER) and very confused!

The coughing and throat clearing has been gradual over the last 6 months but any pain or reflux happened suddenly. My coughing is worst before bed and first thing in the morning and any nasal burning (when and if I do get it) is usually before bed. EGD 2 months ago showed redness/inflammation/gastritis in my stomach and where the wrap itself had been done but my esophagus looked ok. Thankfully it hasn't woken me up at night yet! Guess I just have to wait the next couple weeks out and see what they find. So the waiting game begins...sigh.
Posted 7/12/2012 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
Actually, I was referred to an ENT who specializes in voice/rare throat disorders. Most of his patients are cancer patients and pre-cancer patients (according to him, if silent GERD goes left untreated can develop into esophageal/throat cancer). He said that acids can flow up into your sinus cavities and ears. I had severe ear pain and have actually lost some hearing in my left ear. When I see local GP or even local ENT, they see nothing in my ears. Sometimes they see fluid, but cannot tell if it is draining from sinuses or from acid refluxing upward. I even went so far as to have sinus surgery last summer to try to improve things. Guess what? After surgery, my GERD got worse! So, it confirmed that the sinuses were not the problem. I am scheduled to have Nissens Fundoplication on Tuesday so I hope to finally get some relief from all of these symptoms! It can be dangerous. Acid can also back into your lungs. Acid Reflux is not just something that overweight people get from poor eating choices. It can be very serious! AND, not enough doctors are aware of these atypical symptoms that seem unrelated. I have had to convince my own GI that there is a relationship between the two. Between my cancer specialist and myself, we finally have my GI doc onboard. And, I am finally able to try to get some relief with the fundo....wish me luck and good luck to all of you! If you have chronic sinisitis, which is what will end up happening, check into it! It is very possible that it is your GERD.
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