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esophageal reflux and LPR Airway Reflux?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 3/18/2013 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
I'm new to the board. I've been reading posts and I'm still disheartened, confused and maybe a bit scared. I'm 65, female, 5'7", 135lb and I've had gerd for about 5 years.

Last endoscopy found:
hiatus hernia (fixed)
Z-line irregular, 39cm from the incisors
normal stomach
flattened mucosa was found in the duodenum (No celia disease).

I have Dysphagia and esophageal reflux and have been told I will have to follow an anti-reflux regimen the rest of my life.

I have the following symptoms: lots of mucus in my nose, sore throat, cough, lump in my throat, hard time swallowing (I've had my throat stretched twice). Sometimes, when I bend over I get liquid in my throat

For years I had acid reflex at night and I was sick to my stomach 24/7. I take 20mg Omeprazole 2X a day and I started taking Ultra-Zyme a digestive Enzyme which helps the sick feeling in my stomach.

I am not having any reflex at night anymore and my stomach feels much better but, I have all these other symptoms that sound a lot like LPR.

Is it possible to have both esophageal reflux and LPR Airway Reflux?

If it is possible can two types of reflex be treated at the same time?

If it is possible should I have a test for Pepsin?

I don't think I have had any tests besides the endoscopy. I am reading my summary of the endoscopy I had in August 2012 and there is nothing else listed.

I have an ENT specialist should I get a fiber optic oral cancer check?

I thank you for any help you can give me! And, I am finding for information on this site then I have in the last 4 years of looking on the web!!
Posted 3/19/2013 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome to HealingWell,

I can only share with you info that I have read as I am not a Dr. and I do not have LPR.

Every esophagus has two sphincter muscles: the upper esophageal sphincter(UES) and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES, which connects the esophagus and stomach, is not functioning properly, acidic stomach juices flow into the esophagus. This causes symptoms related to GERD. GERD is usually characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, known as heartburn. Heartburn can be very painful for some people almost mimicking a heart attack. GERD symptoms are usually worse when lying down.

LPR occurs when both the UES and the LES don't work properly. The UES keeps stomach acid out of the pharynx (part of the digestive, and respiratory system and important for vocalization) and the larynx (important in breathing and sound production). When the UES doesn't work, stomach acid and enzymes injure the sensitive tissues of the larynx and pharynx. Typically LPR symptoms occur when someone is standing, bending over, or exercising. Interestingly enough, only 35% of people with LPR also exhibit symptoms of GERD such as heartburn. LPR symptoms include excessive throat clearing, hoarseness, cough, the feeling that something is caught in the throat, sore throat, excessive phlegm, and feeling of post nasal drip.

Great questions and I hope another member has info for you too.  Do be your own best advocate and talk with your Dr. regarding these concerns.

I hope you stick with us as the members here are wise and wonderful.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 3/19/2013 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
Kitt, thank you for your reply!

So is it the hernia that is causing the GERD? That awful tasting stuff you wake up with in the middle of the night that really burns? I've also had it happen while riding upright in our jeep. The upset stomach. I think I've had headaches from it, pain in my chest and bad heartburn. This is all Gerd that is being controlled with 20mg Omeprazole 2X a day and Ultra-Zyme a digestive Enzyme.

While all the other symptoms that sound like LPR aren't being helped by this medication? I have EVERY symptom of LPR. What really bothers me is my voice is getting hoarse and I have a constant sore throat. My throat feels rough & raw and it hurts when I breathe. My nose is a constant every day problem and I cough.

So, if that is correct what do I do about the LPR?

Also, has anyone found a really really good doctor that specializes in Gerd & LPR? I'm in the SW and would travel to go to a specialist.

Thanks again Kit!

Cheers,
Nancy
Posted 3/19/2013 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi True. I too have symptoms of both LPR and GERD, and I too struggle to find helpful treatment options for both. Right now Im just taking PPIs, but Im taking care of pre-op tests to start talking about surgery because when the pains are bad, they're really bad.
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