Hi- I have known this and again the more I read the more it confirms, it appears, our stomach and gut health is related to the lungs as well as our overall health. It does make sense to me.
I very much do stay away from the foods and treats we are told to avoid if we have Acid Reflux. I'd rather do that since it isn't that hard for me to do. Now, having said that, I do have a small piece of chocolate once in a blue moon.
The one thing I was told at NJH in Denver after the gastroenterologist tests is that I have a small hiatal hernia but not Acid Reflux. It appears, from my reading and information I have listened to, that the hiatal hernia can also cause one to have an overproduction of mucus and cause one to want to and have to constantly clear the throat of sputum/mucus. I hesitate but I would like to possibly have all the same tests done again but no matter what the cause there is no good true fix and cure just avoidance of certain foods and PPI's that cause other problems and can actually worsen the problem if you have acid reflux.
So far for me, also, the MAI infection is staying at a low level. I believe I have had the infection for at least two to three years before I found out about having BE and then the infection. My Oct. 2024 tests showed I had some improvement, as shown on the last CScan, with the BE, less inflammation in one area of the lungs but new plugging in the lower lung. Somewhat the case of "Can't win for losing".
I keep having to talk to myself and encourage myself because this is so frustrating and life changing. I truly am fortunate and tell myself constantly, "At least I have no aches and pains."
I really have no answers for you or I except keep clearing it with all we know to do. What fun! I am trying to help myself to do as Sue suggested and as well as my pulmonologist said, swallow it. So when I can I will swallow but I psychologically feel better when I get it up and out and can see what I am bringing up. I use a clear Solo cup to see what it is that comes up and is somewhat encouraging when I do see mucus and mucus plugs. Much also appears to be moisture in the way of white foamy, bubbly coming up and out....the moisture in the lungs.
Hope this was not too long of sharing "thoughts and experiences".
Barbara