Glad I found you all

anightowl

New Member

Joined : May 2012

Posts : 1

Posted 5/20/2012 6:36 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone, I just joined last night. I found the forum by doing a keyword search for GERD and shortness of breath.

I've had GERD and have been on a PPI for about 10 years. I was on Nexium for a good while before my insurance company refused to pay for it anymore and am now on Prilosec, which does not control the symptoms as well as the Nexium did. I'm thinking of switching to over the counter Prevacid. I took that years ago and it worked very well.

I've had shortness of breath for a while now. Also tachycardia, PVCs (which are made worse and are sometimes caused by eating).

I've had a lot of tests done and nothing has been found.
I had a nuclear stress test the end of 2010, it was fine. Last year I wore a holter monitor and a 3 week outpatient telemetry monitor. It showed tachycardia and PVCs. No dangerous rhythms. Two weeks ago I had an echocardiogram and it was fine. Tuesday I went to a Pulmo and Friday I went for a chest CT with contrast but haven't received the results from that yet. My chest x-ray was fine.

Last night I had shortness of breath and felt my respirations had really increased. It was scary. I took a chance that it may be due to GERD (I had a lot of coffee yesterday, I know, not good) and drank some baking soda in water. It's the only thing I had here other than the Prilosec.
In just a few seconds I felt stomach acid come up in my throat then after some belching my respirations slowed way down and the shortness of breath went away.
Has anyone else experienced this??

My next trip will be to a Gastro.

Also, since my wonderful insurance company has refused to pay for the Nexium (gotta love non medical people telling Dr.s what to Rx) there have been a few times I've woken up with reflux in my throat and nose. That is such a scary feeling! and I'm sure there must be some aspiration when it happens. That cannot be good.

This whole this is becoming a scary nightmare!

Deb

stkitt

Elite Member

Joined : Apr 2007

Posts : 32602

Posted 5/20/2012 8:15 PM (GMT 0)

Deb

Welcome to the GERD/Heartburn forum. This forum is for questions, discussions and support relating to Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD - Heartburn) and include Causes, Complications, Diagnosis, Medical Treatments, Surgical Treatments, and Symptoms.

Shortness of breath can be a direct result of stomach acid in the esophagus. As the stomach acid is regurgitated into the esophagus, the acid stimulates the nerves in the lower end of the esophagus, causing muscles to contract. This contraction in turn causes small airways to constrict, which causes the feeling of breathlessness. The sensation worsens at night because when the body is in a prone position, it is easier for stomach acids to reflux into the esophagus. In some cases, an excess amount of acid in the esophagus may spill into the lungs, leading to a tightening of the airways and shortness of breath.

The stress and anxiety felt by people with acid reflux may also contribute to shortness of breath.

I am glad to read you are going to make an appointment with your Gastro and please do let us know how you are doing. There is 100% acceptance and support here from those who understand.

Kindly,

Kitt

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