[Working Moms Blog] Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (Silent Acid Reflux) and Asthma

[MomBlogger]

Last night I was reminded how everything in your body works today. I was reminded until 2:00am in the E.R. with my 7 year old who was complaining of a feeling like someone was sitting on her chest.

I was relieved to find that her EKG was normal, her chest X-ray didn't show anything unusual and the Doctors didn't hear anything at all when listening. But still, she complained and seemed to need to take periodic deep breath to relieve the pressure.

In the end, the E.R. gave her Motrin and sent us home, explaining that maybe during the stomach virus she had 2 days ago she pulled or strained a muscle that is just now starting to hurt.

I remain dubious.

I'm glad they didn't find anything with the methods that they used... I'm disturbed that my daughter has a problem breathing and we haven't located the cause.

My allergist maintains that my daughter suffers from something called: Silent Acid Reflux

Silent Acid Reflux also called Laryngopharyng Reflux is different then regular acid reflux because it may not present any feelings of heartburn or may be very mild heartburn. However, other symptoms include:
Dry Cough
Hoarseness or voice loss
Postnasal drip
Sensation of lump or something stuck in the throat
Sore Throat
Chronic Throat Clearing

Here's another reason my allergist likes the silent acid reflux theory.... Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is often present with a chronic cough that can mimic the cough associated with asthma. AND believe it or not, is often misdiagnosed as asthma, acid reflux or gerd.

I found it highly unusual that an Acid Reflux could be misdiagnosed as asthma. As it turns out, the standard asthma treatments also relief the breathing and coughing symptoms of LPR.

Yes, there is a way to determine if you have LPR, any Ear, Nose & Throat Doctor can take that little tiny scope and take a look at your larynx and tell right away if it has been bombarded with silent acid reflux. Unfortunately, my 7 year old wouldn't let the doctor take a look.

During the 10 minute office visit the ENT Doctor observed my daughter and felt that it was highly likely that she had LPR, based on her clearing of her throat, and slight cough.. and the other recurring symptoms we described.

How is LPR treated.
One way is with Previcid. So, he prescribed 2 previcid a day. (what? that's what I said, 2 ant-acids a day for my 7 year old) Well, I did for a while, but then got slack and ended up in the emergency room last night. You can bet your bottom dollar I will be giving her a previcid this morning!

Other ways to treat LPR are:

Avoid smoking
Avoid tight fitting clothing around the waist
Avoid eating at least 3 hours prior to bedtime
Avoid large meals at night
Lose weight
Elevate the head of the bed by 6 inches to decrease reflux significantly at night
Avoid the follow foods and beverages: caffeine, cola drinks, citrus beverages, mints, alcoholic beverages, cheese, fried food, chocolate, eggs

In closing, if you have read any of my other blog or hub pages, then you are aware that my daughter is scheduled to be tested for some food allergies and then off to see a nutritionist.
Hopefully, this will bring me closer to the answer to her weight issues and breathing breathing problems.

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Posted By MomBlogger to Working Moms Blog at 9/05/2008 04:04:00 AM