Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Hoarseness, Wheezing And Frequent Burping?
Question:
Dear Dr Godhi,
This is a follow up question to the one you answered for me on Tuesday 5 August, as I have more information that I believe to be relevant.
Previously, I focused on the distressing symptom of my right ear. However I am also experiencing the following symptoms which I now think help to build a more compete picture:
- I have bouts of hoarseness (most days)
- I have bouts of wheezyness/ asthma
- I have very frequent burping where I feel that liquid may come back up into my mouth.
-bloating
- my wife tells me that my breath is sometimes bad
- my gums sometimes feel swollen
- I sometimes experience a gargling sound/ sensation originating from my throat.
However I do not have any pain/ heartburn.
I have been taking gaviscon (sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate) for the last week and my symptoms (including my ear issue) have improved significantly. For a few days I took ranitidine, but this did not help as much as the gaviscon.
When I last asked a question I was waiting for an appointment with an ENT specialist, but unfortunately my GP surgery had booked me in for an ear test in error.(I had the ear test, no problems were found). I have now been referred to an ENT specialist, but the appointment is not for another three months.
It seems from my research that I may actually be experiencing some form of (acid?) reflux issue which is triggering the eustacian tube problem. If this is the case, I am not sure what to do.
Dear Dr Godhi,
This is a follow up question to the one you answered for me on Tuesday 5 August, as I have more information that I believe to be relevant.
Previously, I focused on the distressing symptom of my right ear. However I am also experiencing the following symptoms which I now think help to build a more compete picture:
- I have bouts of hoarseness (most days)
- I have bouts of wheezyness/ asthma
- I have very frequent burping where I feel that liquid may come back up into my mouth.
-bloating
- my wife tells me that my breath is sometimes bad
- my gums sometimes feel swollen
- I sometimes experience a gargling sound/ sensation originating from my throat.
However I do not have any pain/ heartburn.
I have been taking gaviscon (sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate) for the last week and my symptoms (including my ear issue) have improved significantly. For a few days I took ranitidine, but this did not help as much as the gaviscon.
When I last asked a question I was waiting for an appointment with an ENT specialist, but unfortunately my GP surgery had booked me in for an ear test in error.(I had the ear test, no problems were found). I have now been referred to an ENT specialist, but the appointment is not for another three months.
It seems from my research that I may actually be experiencing some form of (acid?) reflux issue which is triggering the eustacian tube problem. If this is the case, I am not sure what to do.
Brief Answer:
can be acid reflux.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic,
All your symptoms can be ascribed to acid reflux.
This particular disease is called GERD - gastro esophageal reflux disease.
The acid fron the stomach moves up into the esophagus and causes a variety of symptoms.
Regarding the eustachian tube dysfunction... it can also be due to reflux disease. Currently there is some controversy regarding that. It has been postulated that eustachian tube dysfunction can be caused by reflux disease. But I would still suggest you get other common causes ruled out. You did mention that you are suffering from hay fever. Hay fever is one of the most common causes of eustachian tube dysfunction. Please ask your ENT to rule out such common causes before ascribing the ear problem to reflux disease. Please get a nasal endoscopy done as well. There is no harm in getting it done since you have been having symptoms for a long time.
For your reflux symptoms you will need a proton pump inhibitor and a prokinetic drug. Please see a physician for the prescription.
You should also follow some general measurse like -
1) Elevate the head end of the bed by placing a XXXXXXX under the head end of the bed. This will help to reduce the reflux. Placing extra pillows will not help.
2) Practice simple breathing exercises. It helps to improve the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter which in turn helps to prevent reflux.
3) Eat food at regular intervals.
You may also need an upper GI endoscopy for the reflux. It helps to diagnose reflux and rule out other problems like Hpylori infection and hiatus hernia.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi.
can be acid reflux.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic,
All your symptoms can be ascribed to acid reflux.
This particular disease is called GERD - gastro esophageal reflux disease.
The acid fron the stomach moves up into the esophagus and causes a variety of symptoms.
Regarding the eustachian tube dysfunction... it can also be due to reflux disease. Currently there is some controversy regarding that. It has been postulated that eustachian tube dysfunction can be caused by reflux disease. But I would still suggest you get other common causes ruled out. You did mention that you are suffering from hay fever. Hay fever is one of the most common causes of eustachian tube dysfunction. Please ask your ENT to rule out such common causes before ascribing the ear problem to reflux disease. Please get a nasal endoscopy done as well. There is no harm in getting it done since you have been having symptoms for a long time.
For your reflux symptoms you will need a proton pump inhibitor and a prokinetic drug. Please see a physician for the prescription.
You should also follow some general measurse like -
1) Elevate the head end of the bed by placing a XXXXXXX under the head end of the bed. This will help to reduce the reflux. Placing extra pillows will not help.
2) Practice simple breathing exercises. It helps to improve the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter which in turn helps to prevent reflux.
3) Eat food at regular intervals.
You may also need an upper GI endoscopy for the reflux. It helps to diagnose reflux and rule out other problems like Hpylori infection and hiatus hernia.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
