PPI's and digestion

[kmlong]

Finally found out what LPR was. Laryngopharangeal reflux. Question is can you still have LPR if you're on a PPI and your acid is cut back? LPR is from acid coming up into the back of your throat, correct? so can you still have symptoms of LPR if your acid is under control? I seem to fit the defintion of LPR. Here's what i'm experiencing

-tons of mucous in throat that seems to coagulate right at my adam's apple
-lump in throat feeling
-sides of neck and ears hurt
-constant throat clearing
-bloody nose when blowing it
-extreme tightness in neck so bad that when turning head left and right it
feels like someone pushing in on my adam's apple
-neck muscles are tired and weak
-when swallowing saliva it feels thick almost like i'm swallowing food

I almost wonder if i haven't somehow damaged my throat from all the throat clearing and trying to swallow all the phlegm. It really feels like something is wrong in there!

one more thing, doesn't your body need acid to help in digestion? So is taking a PPI really that safe and won't it eventually cause problems somewhere else? Is all acid production stopped when on a PPI. I've wanted to ask my doctor all these things but like all other doctors he makes me feel like he can only answer one question and then he's got to move on to the next patient, like he never really hears me! It frustrates me!!!

[needaremedy]

The PPIs are supposed to stop "most" of the stomach acid...but when acid levels are too low, our bodies kick out gastrin to rev up acid production. It's a cycle...
Yes, digestion is impacted by these PPIs. Some foods can be broken down by enzyme action with little acid, but other foods really need acid to be broken down. That's why some things tend to cause more indigestion- because they're not being broken down...so they sit in the stomach.

[chickie99]

Originally Posted by kmlong

Finally found out what LPR was. Laryngopharangeal reflux. Question is can you still have LPR if you're on a PPI and your acid is cut back? LPR is from acid coming up into the back of your throat, correct? so can you still have symptoms of LPR if your acid is under control? I seem to fit the defintion of LPR. Here's what i'm experiencing

-tons of mucous in throat that seems to coagulate right at my adam's apple
-lump in throat feeling
-sides of neck and ears hurt
-constant throat clearing
-bloody nose when blowing it
-extreme tightness in neck so bad that when turning head left and right it
feels like someone pushing in on my adam's apple
-neck muscles are tired and weak
-when swallowing saliva it feels thick almost like i'm swallowing food

I almost wonder if i haven't somehow damaged my throat from all the throat clearing and trying to swallow all the phlegm. It really feels like something is wrong in there!

one more thing, doesn't your body need acid to help in digestion? So is taking a PPI really that safe and won't it eventually cause problems somewhere else? Is all acid production stopped when on a PPI. I've wanted to ask my doctor all these things but like all other doctors he makes me feel like he can only answer one question and then he's got to move on to the next patient, like he never really hears me! It frustrates me!!!

Interesting post. I have similar symptoms but I figured out what was causing them. Back a few months ago, I was getting a lot of neck pain, puffyness under the eyes and felt tired and ikky all the time. Turned out I had a pinched nerve in my neck! Started to see a chiropractor who adjusted me and took the pressure off the nerves that connect to the muscles around the sinuses. That symptom has since gone away.

However, recently since It's the winter and the heat is going in my home, my sinuses were getting very dried out and my nose was bleeding everyday. I had horrible - nauseating post nasal drip that I could not feel down the back of my throat but knew something was in there. Had that same lump in my throat like something nasty! I'd get a lot of mucus and had to clear my throat constantly.

I went to the drug store and bought 2 things. Ayr gel - it's where the sinus products are kept. It's a saline gel lotion you put inside your nose to prevent drying. I use it when I get out of the shower when my sinues are open.

I also bought Ayr saline spray and I spray that into my sinus and blow my nose afterwards to clean it out. The saline helps to moisten and cleanse the sinuses.

I did this for about 3 days and saw considerable improvement.

Something else to consider - if your sinuses is the root of this issue - swallowing all that sinus can't be good for your stomach. It is an irritant!

[kmlong]

wow, it's funny you should mention the pinched nerve thing. I have a continual problem with my neck and and some nerve that goes into my shoulder blade. Been to the chiropracter 2 times but he never said anything about a pinched nerve. He said it was this condition called tortacollis, compression of the upper neck vertabrae. This guy seemed fake to me though and i stopped my sessions. today i wake up and can't hardly even move my neck without EXTREME pain! And yes, I have horrible sinus conditions and just recently switched from rhinocort to nasonex to see if it works any better. I do have the AYR saline spray but always just sprayed it up there but never blew it back out. That is a good idea! I am really curious about this pinched nerve possibly causing all this throat trouble with swallowing and even slight pain at the top of my esophagus. I will mention this to the GI on thursday.

[chickie99]

Originally Posted by kmlong

wow, it's funny you should mention the pinched nerve thing. I have a continual problem with my neck and and some nerve that goes into my shoulder blade. Been to the chiropracter 2 times but he never said anything about a pinched nerve. He said it was this condition called tortacollis, compression of the upper neck vertabrae. This guy seemed fake to me though and i stopped my sessions. today i wake up and can't hardly even move my neck without EXTREME pain! And yes, I have horrible sinus conditions and just recently switched from rhinocort to nasonex to see if it works any better. I do have the AYR saline spray but always just sprayed it up there but never blew it back out. That is a good idea! I am really curious about this pinched nerve possibly causing all this throat trouble with swallowing and even slight pain at the top of my esophagus. I will mention this to the GI on thursday.

The muscles in the neck will affect your sinus. You have sinus glands in the base of your skull too. I know that first hand - especially with the neck tightness and pain. Maybe the chiro was onto something? Did you try seeing another chiro for a second opinion?

some therapy on your neck and an adjustment or two may help. i know when i get my neck adjusted - when i leave that chiro office my sinus drains like crazy and i'm clear the next day!

But don't give up hope on it until you give it a try and a few adjustments?

go with your instincts none the less. nobody knows your body more than you! i don't think the GI doc will be knowledgeable in the area of neck pain... its not his expertise, ya know? Especially in the area of sinus related stuff... but he could tell you that swallowing all kinds of sinus can't be good for your tummy, that is for sure!

I just saw my GI doc this evening for a consult. I go on Friday for an endoscopy. I am so scared to have it done! The idea of being put out and risks just freak me out.