Seasonal allergies causing acid reflux? - Allergies Message Board

djverbal · 09-02-2008, 09:56 PM

Over the past 3 years I've had the worst acid reflux attacks of my life right at this time of the year (end of Aug/beg of Sept). All three years I've had terrible seasonal allergies (ragweed?) right before the reflux attack. The attacks have lasted weeks. I don't drink caffeine, alcohol or smoke so most days of the year the acid reflux is under control. I can eat chocolate and spicy food which I know are common triggers without usually worrying about having an attack. Previously doctors have said that there wouldn't be any correlation between the two but the doctor I saw today at least acknowledged there could be something with the allergies causing this. He also recently diagnosed me with a form of hives were my skins easily becomes red and welted.

Has anyone experienced or heard of Allergies causing reflux? If so, has anyone had any luck controlling it? The doctor today prescribed Ranitidine Tablets 300mg and referred me to an allergy specialist and gastro specialist. Basically the usual reply of "I don't know what could be wrong, try these prescriptions". Are there any really good docs in Minnesota for this sort of thing?

So tonight I probably won't sleep (most likely to be followed by many more nights of the same) as I sit here with the thick saliva coming up and intense burning and choking feeling in my throat.

danabarb · 09-02-2008, 11:21 PM

I had TERRIBLE acid reflux for a few years. Jumped on the Internet and found something NATURAL that has helped very much. I was on two Prevacid a day and all they did was numb me for a short time. Look up Digestinol on the Internet and you will see it is made of very strong aloe vera. Also try to read the testimonials. Good luck.

gcsjr · 09-03-2008, 05:13 AM

djverbal-

Keep looking for an allergist who understands this stuff - there is a definite link between allergies, asthma and acid reflux, although the exact cause isn't clearly understood. Acid reflux can cause asthma and sinus symptoms, including post-nasal drip, and the cycle of allergies and acid reflux can make it very difficult to get the allergies, asthma and acid reflux under control.

The best option is to try treating both the allergies and the acid reflux. For the allergies either Claritin or Zyrtec (or the generic versions of either), which are now available without a prescription, should help. For the acid reflux PrilosecOTC is much more effective than Ranitidine (Zantac) and Prilosec is now available without a prescription as well.

As far as docs in Minnesota, you've got some of the best in the world at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, and they have a great reputation for treating allergic diseases.

LALOV929 · 09-16-2008, 06:53 PM

I am currently learning about the relationship of allergies with
acid reflux, gastroparesis and asthma. It can be investigated
by looking up eosinophilic esophagitis or more broadly 'eosinophilic
disorders' on any good search engine. Seems eosinophils (which
are white blood cells) respond to allergies and can cause all kinds
of problems when they occur due to hidden allergies and cause
problems in parts of the body not usually regarded as allergy
prone, like esophagus and small intestine, etc. Not all that
common or broadly known about just yet but causing considerable
misery and sending people into many wrong directions before the
real cause is known. My dear friend who is in process at the
Arizona Mayo Clinic just had a doctor point her in this direction,
hence my sudden interest in this subject. I have read many
accounts of people on boards that likely fall into this category.

LALOV929 · 09-16-2008, 07:48 PM

I am currently learning about the relationship of allergies with
acid reflux, gastroparesis and asthma. It can be investigated
by looking up eosinophilic esophagitis or more broadly 'eosinophilic
disorders' on any good search engine. Seems eosinophils (which
are white blood cells) respond to allergies and can cause all kinds
of problems when they occur due to hidden allergies and cause
problems in parts of the body not usually regarded as allergy
prone, like esophagus and small intestine, etc. Not all that
common or broadly known about just yet but causing considerable
misery and sending people into many wrong directions before the
real cause is known. My dear friend who is in process at the
Arizona Mayo Clinic just had a doctor point her in this direction,
hence my sudden interest in this subject. I have read many
accounts of people on boards that likely fall into this category.