GERD
Hello, I am about 4 months post-op of having my ITs cut (not sub-mucousal). There is no doubt in my mind that I am at least an ENS-type sufferer. I am constantly thinking about breathing and feeling like I suffocate if I don't remember to breath. My nose is dry and my sleeping has been terrible. Even worse than all of this for me, though, are these horrible, horrible GERD symptoms. Anytime I eat, it feels like my chest is going to explode and this lasts for hours and hours - and it NEVER happened before the surgery. Does anyone else experience these GERD symptoms after their surgery, and does anyone use any ENS specific remedies (remedies outside of the usual antacids, etc). Thanks.

GERD is a common symptom with ENS. It's caused because of the irritation of the over dry air that hits the pharynx and larynx and irritates them. The upper part of the larynx and the pharynx are both part of the respiratory tract and of the Esophagus, therefore if air irritates it in can cause GERD. Your stomach isn't too acidic and therefore taking anti acid medication won't help. The only thing to do is to keep your nose moist and your pharynx and larynx warm and moist too. Sleep with a humidifier close to your face and drink plenty of warm beverages like tea and soups during the day. The more your nose will improve the less GERD you'll have. Also, if you feel it coming on - don''t let it get to you and don't panic as that will make it worse. If you get an attack that "lasts for hours" as you say, then a hot shower will always get rid of that, or simply inhaling steam (but not with any fragrances in it).

GERD
Hi JC94, Laying off soda, dairy, and sugar has really helped my GERDS. Also, start getting into an exercise routine. For some reason this really helps my stomach. I know that vitamins and supplements can be harmful, but I have found that PLANT ENZYMES really seem to help me digest my food. I take one about 20 minutes before each meal. They can be purchased at your local organic store for a decent price. Keep in mind that my diet has had a lot to do with my GERDS, so this may not help you. Although, my ENS does exacerbate the problem. js

Hi TE, Thanks for the response. Isn't it still acid reflux from the stomach that is causing the burning and pressure in the chest, even though the problem may ultimately be originating stemming from the pharynx and larynx as you say. 1. Why would the irritation of the upper part of the esophagus cause stomach acid to reflux (not doubting you, just wondering) 2. Shouldn't antacids have some affect since they are attacking what directly causing the chest pain. Also, thanks for your advice about the steam. I've heard different opinions about what is better: warm or cool mist. What is your opinion? Thanks again.

You said that you never had GERD before your ENS, so it's logical that it's not your stomach acidity that's causing it, but it's related to the changes in your breathing. Common sense, don't you agree? Further more it's a common symptom in many ENS sufferers. The sphincter valve is supposed to stop the food/acid from going up from the stomach. This valve can not operate well when someone coughs a lot or hyperventilates a lot (over active diaphragmatic movements) etc'. Sleep apnea and snoring can cause this too. In short - breathing disorders can cause GERD just as much as stomach acidity. If anti acid drugs help you that's great. I got over mine with time as I learnt to improve my breathing patterns and to suppress my cough. I suggested hot steam for calming an attack. But regularly you should sleep with cold vapors.

anthesia can tax the liver, which can tax the gallbladder and irritate the stomach. If antacids dont work it could also be bile reflux or thrush. You might want to read up on liver cleansing and candida and give both a try. I cant say what is causing it but i can say there is something you can do about it. liver cleansing also helps with allergies if you have those. it should increase your digestive strenght too.

It's not the anesthesia. If it were then GERD would be the most common post surgical complication there is in all forms of surgery... GERD is a very common symptom in ENS and happens to both people who had general anesthesia and to those like me who had only local anesthesia. In ENS induced GERD the only way to quiet it is to treat the cause - improve your nasal breathing. Although I have been free from it for a few years since my nasal dryness improved during the years to a point where it was no longer causing me GERD on a daily basis, it will return immediately on a bad day when my nose is extra dry. GERD is known to be a common symptom in many respiratory chronic problems - like chronic sinusitis, asthma, etc'. The respiratory tracts and the digestive tract share the same pipe to begin with and dry air or irritants can easily enter the digestive system and irritate it. This is why many people throw up when they inhale certain strong smells - like petrol, paint and even tooth-paste. It's the same mechanism that creates the GERD response in people with ENS. Further more, besides sharing the same tract in the beginning and the close proximity of the two systems in the upper body, they share many neural reflexes. excitation of one system always excites the other. This kind of GERD is not related to anything wrong with the digestive system or levels of acidity, but it is simply activated because of a problem with respiration. It's really very simple and straight forward.

You could try the following as well: Avoid acidic foods... + Omega 3 reduces inflammation. So swallow a large spoonfull of linseed (not sure if called linseed in the states?) with some water in the morning before breakfast. Linseed cleans the gut and contains lots of omega 3. Perfect combination - it has helped me with IBS-type symptoms and a sore gut in the past!

there can be many causes for reflux. Although respitory issues are usually made worse by bacterial issues such as candida or the more acceptable Small intestinal bacteral Overgrowth. These problem can be calmed down by basically eating lots of good fruits and vegtables but if that doesnt work trylooking at the alternaive view with liver cleansing or possible gallstones, (in this case, taurine and beets can help) may not be a bad idea. A quick easy way is to add inulin (fibersure from metemucial)studie show over 4-8 weeks it quraduples the benifical bacteria in your gut. A temp help is probioitcs type yougaurt. Also the macrobiotic diet is really good at correcting this. The best way to improve your respitory tract is to increase the benifical bacteral in your gut. If you are unable to do this a little research in to gallstones and bile reflux and liver/gb cleansing may help. Another really important thing is OMEGA3, you can do fish oilor flaxx seed. Do your research on it and decide the best method to add it for yourslef...your immune system will love you. just my 2 cents.

GERD
I thought it might be helpful to point out that researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin actually believe that acid reflux is actually a contributing cause to chronic sinusitis - so it may not be the result of ENS but possibly a contributing factor to the sinus issues that lead to unnecessary surgery and eventual ENS. Here's a quick sound byte from the research: Recent reports indicate that acid reflux into the pharynx plays a role in the development of sinusitis in both children and adults. There was also a study showing that patients with GERD were less likely to get relief from sinus surgery. In patients with chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), a large number of acid reflux events reach the top of the esophagus near the sinuses compared to a control group. While acid reflux probably does not reach all the way to the sinuses, it could induce inflammation of nasal mucous, blocking the sinuses. The exact cause-and-effect mechanism of acid reflux and sinusitis has not yet been established.

Gerd
I am 4 months post op and I too have breathing problems and gerd. A friend of the family gave me MSM Powder(pure sulfur) and I take 1 teaspoon in an ounce of water every morning. It has helped me quite a bit. I had indigestion and acid reflex so bad I thought I was going to loose my mind. I still have significant breathing problems and pray to God that they will go away in time. I also spray and MSM solution in my nose several times a day. MSM is supposed to be a natural supplement for joints and pain but the more research I have done on it I have found it is good for so many different things. Give it a try and I hope you feel better soon. jennifer

gcsmithjr, those who had GERD prior to having ENS - obviously their GERD does not originate because of their ENS (although will most likely be worsened by it). Those who got GERD only after their turbinectomies, and they are the majority of ENS sufferers, have GERD of-course as a direct result of ENS. Follow the testimonies of people here - the vast majority swears their GERD began only after their ENS began. These are two separate causes to GERD and if someone wants to treat a condition properly they need to treat the causes not only the symptoms.