Heavy Chest and Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is definately the worst symptom of GERD. I have it pretty bad also. I don't know what to tell you. GERD causes inhalation problems by inflaming our airway, whether it's by causing asthma or by inflaming our upper airway... Like our vocal folds.

Yeah, I really don't understand that. It could be asthma or some kind of nerve thing. I guess if your neck can get tight because of this your chest could too.

I eat a very health diet, though I love fried foods I try to avoid them. I wonder if it could be a build up of congestion in the chest.

I have the shortness of breath, feels like something pushing up into my lungs I thought it was my hiatal hernia but this site tells me it's the reflux, also have a very tight neck and plugged ears .I also have digestive problems along with bowel problems don't know if there related because of ppi's.

I have developed chest tightness, shortness of breath and chronic cough since starting reflux disease.

Two weeks ago I was prescribed Ventolin but it sends my heart rate through the roof. I am hoping that if I eventually get surgery that this may resolve.

Hello,

I have been having the exact same issue as you have (Pretty consistently for the past 5 months) and find relief with certain strategies. The issue to my understanding is that reflux material such as acid and enzymes and aspirated material (same stuff) originally make you hyper sensitive. This will cause as well as exacerbate asthma symptoms. The reason its so hard to pinpoint the source is because both air irritants and your lpr/gerd play equal roles in the breathing difficulty.

This past week I have managed to almost entirely get rid of my shortness of breath. Not sure if this is just a temporary fluke but here's how I am doing it.

I have been experimenting with "HCL + Pepsin" (one tablet before each meal), Allegra allergy 24 hour (One per day), chewing my food slowly and thoroughly to reduce burping, vitamin B12, and Vitamin D3 (there's allot of people that say this works well). Also, before I workout I have a puff of my inhaler. I also take a couple tablets of Gaviscon before working out, sleeping, or if and when I feel my stomach starting to "reflux".

This has been fine tuned after trying about 40 different supplements/combinations over time. It seems that all of the other stuff may not have had much of an effect.

Its not really that many pills, plus all of which are harmless (just take them in moderation and no more than the daily recommended dose). Bear in mind, the HCL supplement should not create burning. If it does, you should discontinue. I believe this helps me because I have too little stomach acid to break down food. This leaves the sphincter open which causes the "aspiration" and breathing issues. It also creates pressure since the food sits there causing the reflux. In addition, the HCL will practically eliminate bloating (or at least for me). This helps allot as well.

Its my understanding that anyone suffering from shortness of breath onset by reflux has a dysfunctional sphincter, allowing the acid to aspirate into the lungs. The idea is that we need to keep this closed. Vitamin D3 helps strengthen it and the HCL keeps it closed. Also, allergies, mucus, and asthma play a role. These must also be treated to minimize shortness of breath.

With that said getting plenty of vitamin c can help as well with the allergies and mucus.

Oh and before I forget, I believe L-Glutamine plays a role in tightening the sphincter. I take this daily as a supplement but it can be found in protein powder or powder form (some people claim this works better since the powder can soak into the sphincter muscle). It basically activates GABA receptors to strengthen (link below). Results won't be instant but you will most likely see a difference after several weeks.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10535878

I'm not subscribed to this thread but email me theyuw at gmail to let me know how things are going. Remember to give it at least a week. A couple of these methods take time to take effect.

Any update on this guys?

I am experiencing very similar symptoms and was wondering if you guys have found any answers? I am experimenting with the Fast Track diet and I have had some success. I have only done the diet for about four days now though so we will see how it goes.

My shortness of breath has been almost non-stop for about a month now. Along with this I get chest tightness, difficulty inhaling, throat pain, acid taste in mouth, bad breath, pain when talking a lot of times, neck pain, and pretty much chronic dizziness.

I am on Protonix 40 mg x 2 per day and have been for about 3-4 weeks. They haven't did a lot to relieve the symptoms. It's appearing that if the diet doesn't work I am going to have to consider the surgery because living like this long term would be very difficult.