Silent reflux causing shortness of breath?

[milesmills]

Hello everybody!

I recently (February) have been diagnosed with celiac by my provider through a blood test. Since then I have been gluten free and just recently started to cut out dairy to see if my condition would improve (it has not). 

My main issue is shortness of breath. Occasionally I will get a pain in my upper back that will go up to my neck/shoulder and back of head. I also feel like there is a great amount of mucus in the back of my throat. I am just wondering if anyone else has experienced these issues?

I wake up in the morning and feel okay, but as soon as I eat anything or drink my morning coffee it slowly starts coming on.

Is this possibly silent reflux? How is it related to my celiac diagnosis? Or is it? 

Thank you so much for any advice!

[cyclinglady]

Welcome to the forum!

Yes, it is possible for reflux to cause shortness of breath.  It is possible that celiac disease could be the culprit.  It is possible that you have developed asthma (allergy season is here, at least in my area).  It is possible that you have an additional autoimmune disorder or illness in addition to celiac disease.  It is possible for you to have anemia. 

Normally, if you receive a positive on the celiac blood panel, you are referred to a Gastroenterologist who can perform an endoscopy to obtain small intestinal biopsies.  Your stomach and esophagus are also checked to rule out H. Pylori, EOE, ulcers.....all kinds of things.  But since we are in the middle of a pandemic, it is probably prudent for your Doctor to diagnose you and have you trial the diet.  Make sure he or she repeats that celiac blood test in six months.  The result should be declining indicating that the diet is working for you and helping to confirm that celiac disease is probably the right diagnosis.  

Which test was positive?  I ask, because if it was just slightly positive, it might be due to another illness.  Consider posting your results and the lab ranges.  

Anemia is a common symptom for celiac disease.  I was very anemic.  My hemoglobin and ferritin (iron stores) were very low.  This caused me fatigue and shortness of breath.  Was this checked?  

If your shortness of breath is related to celiac disease, it should resolve in time.  Most celiacs take up to a year to heal.  That is due to systemic issues and frankly, mastering the gluten-free diet.  

Try to keep a journal to help identify other food intolerances.  Eat a strict diet.  No eating out.  Avoid processed foods, even gluten-free.  Eat real food.  At least until you feel better.  Call your doctor if this persists.  

[MisterSeth]

you probably have asthma now. any cannabis use? it can cause hyperemesis which will make you vomit and stuff, also can cause dry reflux.

do not cough too much, if you can't stop get an inhaler. if your shortness of breath is really bad dont worry about COVID, go to ER and they'll treat you as if you have it, but asthma is serious and even moreso right now

[Awol cast iron stomach]

Yes I had reflux during my challenge. My esophagus was damaged to the naked eye on scope. The damage was due to inflammation of my immune cells. I do not have GERD or Asthma. Past misdiagnosed so they were in my file prior. My immunologist figured it out. Gluten, my other food intolerances, compounded by allergies can cause this. My environmental allergeans are worse if my food inflammation is triggered. Myalgia muscle pain is one of my personal initial food intolerant elimination diet symptoms. 

I gave up cow milk and coffee for a few years. I still have corn and cow milk intolerance with my gluten issues. The first 2 years post diagnosis I stayed whole foods focused on anti inflammatory foods.

Good luck 

Edited April 9, 2020 by Awol cast iron stomach
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