So in July last year I slowly started getting the feeling I had a lump stuck in my throat. This turned into a slightly tingly irritated feeling at the base of my throat that would make me dry cough along with throat tightness. Sometimes when the tightness etc is bad the cough is croupy like a seal.
I then had an episode of what felt like gastritis which last a month or so. This was the only stomach issues I’ve had.
I went to the GP in September and she said it sounded like post nasal drip so told me try nasal spray which made my throat symptoms worse.
I went back and they referred me for an X-ray, CT scan and endoscopy with biopsies. Basically everything came back clear other than mild inflammation in one biopsy oesophagus site. I also paid privately to see an ENT who did a nasendoscopy and said my throat is ‘pristine’.
Anyway, fast forward to 2 weeks ago and I woke up at 2am unable to breath. Like I actually physically couldn’t breathe any air in at all. This was NOT a panic attack, my airway was actually blocked. It was the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me. It lasted about 30 seconds then just stopped and I could breath again. My husband called 111 and took me to a&e at their suggestion. By the time I got there it had all subsided but my throat and chest were sore and my throat was ‘flickering’. Doctor was a total arse and said it was a panic attack get a brown bag. As I wasn’t dying on the spot he just wanted me out which I get.
Reading up I’m 100% sure I had a spasm of the voice box which is caused by irritation from reflux etc. I think basically it was my throat saying it’d had enough.
so long story short I’m now on the acid watcher diet almost 2 weeks in and nothings budging. Still coughing and throat still lumpy and tight.
I’ve been drinking gaviscon advance like crazy, before bed and after meals. Taking ppis for months (correctly). Raised the head of my bed, avoided alcohol etc. I’m even drinking alkaline water. I’ve literally tried everything but these bloody throat symptoms are AWFUL. I’ve got no acid coming up into my throat and been on ppis for so long with no improvement and with my symptoms I really am starting to think this is pepsin not acid.
has anyone had experience with pepsin and managed to kick it? I’ve never had throat symptoms before I don’t understand why it would just start out of no where and steadily get worse like this.
i really hoped I’d see an improvement by now on the diet even slight. I’m losing hope a bit.
Has anyone got any tips or advice? Before anyone’s asks I don’t feel at all anxious and am very happy with my life I would just like this to go away.