Are Alginates an Option for You?

Did you read my previous blog post about the connection between the lungs and the nose? How bronchiectasis (BE) and rhinosinusitis often occur together? 

If so, you might have already deduced that just as reflux is associated with BE, it is also associated with Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS). 

The tricky thing with reflux is sometimes there are no clues. You don’t have heartburn and you are not belching. It is the sneaky kind of reflux often referred to as “silent.” But just like a stealth bomber, it can still do major damage.

To compound matters, it is not always from acid. Non-acid refluxate (liquid, solid and gas) can also occur and according to Dr. Jeffrey King, chief of the Gastroenterology Division at National Jewish Health, when we take PPIs and other acid-lowering medications, non-acid reflux goes up!

Geez… so what are we supposed to do to prevent reflux from being aspirated into our lungs or wreaking havoc in our sinuses? 

Certainly taking precautions like decreasing trigger foods such as alcohol, chocolate and greasy foods is helpful. Also not eating or drinking within several hours of lying down.Some research shows there is good reason to raise the head of your bed and if obese, shed some pounds. 

However, I can tell you from the 24 ph impedance test I had 6 years ago, that not all reflux occurs at night–mine was ALL during waking hours. Because when we bend at the waist, and unfortunately, even when we are standing tall, we can reflux.

Earlier this summer I experimented with what might be a new idea for some of us–alginates. An alginate is what it sounds like, a treatment made with algae. When we take a spoonful after a meal it puts a lid or raft on top of our stomach contents. This physical barrier stops much of the refluxate from making its way into our lungs. 

There are familiar remedies like Gaviscon Advance that contain an alginate. Also, RefluxRaft and Reflux Gourmet that taste better and have other calming ingredients. What works for you might not for someone else. And, what works on a daily basis might not if you are having an attack.

Have you tried alginates?

Speak with your doctor before changing your current care.

#Reflux #AcidReflux #Bronchiectasis #nasal #drippynose #postnasaldrio #stuffynose