hi supa-pokute,Welcome to the GERD corner of Healing Well! You're DEFINITELY in the right place. Like you, I have asthma and allergies, and like you I was told by my allergy/asthma doc that reflux can cause the problems I had and the GI doc said no. The true answer is YES!
My asthma doc told me that a GI doc who understands how reflux can create havoc with the upper respiratory system is rare. I suffered with coughing up huge amounts of mucous from my lungs for years, and all that time my GI doc was telling me that it couldn't be caused by my reflux (when tested it was low), while my asthma/allergy and PCP were certain that it was.
I was using my nebulizer daily and taking high doses of steroid inhaler, and was coughing out gobs of mucous all the time. Finally, my PCP got fed up and referred me to a surgeon himself. The surgeon did some tests and an endoscopy and told me I'd be a good candidate for surgery. (He respected my PCP and trusted his judgement). I went back to my GI doc (mind you, this was after struggling for about 5 years and seeing 2 GI docs) and he finally listened to my PCP and referred me to a surgeon. Even then he wasn't thrilled with the idea. The rest is history.
After surgery and about two and a half months recovery, my lungs cleared and they've been great ever since. Sure, I have allergies/asthma and I can get into some problems during allergy season, but it's controllable. Finally, I have healthy lungs!
From your description it sounds as if your reflux is much worse than mine, and it amazes me that your GI doc doesn't realize how much reflux can cause havoc to the lungs. An asthmatic is even more reactive to reflux, which is actually a good thing I think...it gets you to react sooner and avoid permanent lung damage.
I was very fearful of surgery. If I'd been insistent and pushed for it, I'm pretty sure my GI doc would have gone along. He was "protecting" me, I'm sure. GI docs worry that the surgery won't stop whatever symptoms we're having, so they drag their feet. My PCP was so frustrated as he watched my lungs deteriorate, and watched me coughing constantly. Looking back, I just wish I'd had the surgery sooner and had been more assertive myself.
Here's the link to my early recovery journal, so you can get an idea as to what the recovery is like. Early recovery is the toughest part.
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443
Stick around and ask as many questions as you think of. We're here to offer support and whatever info we can!
Good luck!
Denise