Problems Breathing And Swallowing - Digestive Disorders Message Board

10-16-2003, 10:35 AM

Hi new to board>>>33 years old Female. After reading all of messages I feel so much better knowing that I am no the only one having problems. I always felt that I was a strange person a hypocondriac. I have an on going problem for 2 to 3 years now first started with breathing which doctor states as asthma and the lump in throat as allergies, Put me on asthma med and Claritin. That did not help started to get heartburn tried over the counter meds. (Now on prevacid 30mg). Symptoms are swallowing food seem like I can’t some times must take small bite in order for it to go down. Breath is off when I have difficulty breathing I feel like my stomach is filling up with air and I get bloated, this is worse when I have PMS that month. Monthly is all messed up. When I take claritin it stuffs me up and then I have to take Tylenol sinus I feel better my breathing is good but still have a little problem swallowing but not as bad. It seems to me it has some thing to do with the sinus. My tonsils where taking out when I was around 10yrs old Never had any problems till around year 2000 always in good heath never seen a doctor really, other then a cold. Please anyone have any advise would be helpful THANK YOU. CEDEJANE

NoleInOrlando · 10-16-2003, 11:56 AM

I have (I believe) the same kinds of breathing "difficulties" you do. I'm not short of breath per se, but seem unable to get a deep breath. It feels as if my stomach becomes extremely distended when I try. Does this sound familiar?

I too have the exact same sinus problems, and have had the throat sensation as well.

First things first. I explained my breathing sensation to my gastro doc and asked if it was possible to be caused by the gas and bloating. He said "absolutely", then proceeded to give me a bit of an anatomy lesson. In short, the stomach when filled with gas can push up into the diaphragm (since they are so close in proximity) and can actually work to decrease the lung volume (by pressing up into the thoracic cavity). Sure enough, my chest xray showed an elevated diaphragm.

The "lump" in the throat I believe is known as a globus sensation, whereas there usually isn't anything actually there, but is probably related to reflux. Sometimes it is actually food though, but food doesn't usually linger for hours and hours. It is a common symptom for reflux.

I also have the sinus congestion, but my ENT seems to believe the problems are unrelated - probably just seem to notice congestion more when I'm already having the breathing issues.

For the longest time, my GP simply thought since I had GERD, I should be treated with a PPI and sent on my way. Well, I got sick of that, so when I got new insurance (PPO), I went and saw some specialists. Sure enough, the GERD is being caused by a mild case of gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) and possibly by gallbladder polyps or stones.

Go see a specialist, that's why they're there. They will order up the tests you need and I'd wager they'll find the reasons you're not feeling well. Good luck, and keep us posted - I'd like to hear what is found out.