Could my CFS be LPR?

Messages
99
Hi guys, I've had symptoms- to no avail for 3 years now- but I would say, and my heart goes out to those on this forum that suffer badly. I am actually VERY moderate.

My symptom pattern is typically:

-painful throat, only when making a yawning motion though- (ent thought this would be TMJ neuralgia)
-over-production of ear-wax
-brain fog
-Feeling of fullness in ears
-Face on fire/Sinus pressure
-Temperate changes
-GERD

I've had acid all of my life and always sort of shrugged it off- but now I'm wondering after reading lots of patient stories about Silent Reflux, the symptoms are remarkably similar.

Even shortness of breath, as the PEPSIN from the stomach can lay dormant in lung tissue and throat until "activated" by acidic items via mouth.

Recently, I woke up with stomach acid in my mouth and now I feel post nasal drip 24-7 and a feeling of choking. I am wondering if this is all intertwined, I know pollen count is high here though, but I don't think I'm allergic.

does anyone have any experience with LPR?
 

valentinelynx

Senior Member
Messages
1,310
Location
Tucson
Well, have you tried taking proton pump inhibitors? They completely block acid production in the stomach. Not recommended for long term use as much anymore because of detrimental effects of high stomach pH on intestinal bacteria. But, if your symptoms resolve with acid suppression, that'd be a clue.

Still... I have a hard time believing that reflux would cause post-exertional malaise, the hallmark symptom of ME/CFS. Do you have PEM? What causes you to suspect ME/CFS?

If you suspect severe GERD you should see a gastroenterologist. They can do an upper GI endoscopy to see if you have damage to the esophagus from chronic reflux, which in the long term can cause esophageal cancer. If you have excessive acid production, they can treat for that with everything from H2 blockers to surgery.

By the way, when you saw an ENT specialist, did they observe inflammation of your larynx such as would be caused by chronic reflux?
 
Messages
75
AFAIK PPI's are a terrible idea for LPR, as insuffient acid can actually be the cause of the valve not to close, so you could just be fueling the fire.

If you suspect LPR, look into Gaviscon advance. It is a solution that you drink that contains a special form of Algae iirc that creates a raft at the top of the stomach effectively and prevents acid coming back up. It works totally different to normal forms of Gaviscon which just neutralize acid.

Again, not the best long term solution but might give you some indication as to whether it's LPR if it works.

LPR can sometimes also result in sleep disordered breathing, upper airway respiratory syndrome, so if you have issues with fatigue/tiredness etc that may also link in.
 

Learner1

Senior Member
Messages
6,311
Location
Pacific Northwest
Hi guys, I've had symptoms- to no avail for 3 years now- but I would say, and my heart goes out to those on this forum that suffer badly. I am actually VERY moderate.

My symptom pattern is typically:

-painful throat, only when making a yawning motion though- (ent thought this would be TMJ neuralgia)
-over-production of ear-wax
-brain fog
-Feeling of fullness in ears
-Face on fire/Sinus pressure
-Temperate changes
-GERD

I've had acid all of my life and always sort of shrugged it off- but now I'm wondering after reading lots of patient stories about Silent Reflux, the symptoms are remarkably similar.

Even shortness of breath, as the PEPSIN from the stomach can lay dormant in lung tissue and throat until "activated" by acidic items via mouth.

Recently, I woke up with stomach acid in my mouth and now I feel post nasal drip 24-7 and a feeling of choking. I am wondering if this is all intertwined, I know pollen count is high here though, but I don't think I'm allergic.

does anyone have any experience with LPR?
Do you have a chronic infection, like EBV?
 
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