Water Brash

Hi Sqwakvfr,

This is really an unusual situation. I haven't found alot of information about "water brash" at all and sent your question over to the experts for an answer, but here is what I did find. Certainly your doctor knows best and you should always defer to what he says, but here is some information that I found that might help a little. 

While the water brash is a great inconvenience, it apparently is not a bad thing for someone who may have acid reflux. According to this article, smoking reduces saliva causing GERD. So saliva production is good for keeping acid reflux at bay. I am not finding any information about what the causes of water brash are. Excessive salivation, and drooling are a possible symptom of GERD in babies.  

There are also other considerations for the drooling (the only search term I could find for excessive salivation) and some of them are kinda scary! Here is a posting about drooling that says excessive drooling could be a symptom of poisoning or reaction to venom from snakes or insect bites. Have you looked into the insect bite possibility? (I would think you would know if you had been snake bit! :) )

Hope things go well for you. Stay in touch and let us know how you're doing!

Vicki M

Hi Sqwakvfr,

This is really an unusual situation. I haven't found alot of information about "water brash" at all and sent your question over to the experts for an answer, but here is what I did find. Certainly your doctor knows best and you should always defer to what he says, but here is some information that I found that might help a little. 

While the water brash is a great inconvenience, it apparently is not a bad thing for someone who may have acid reflux. According to this article, smoking reduces saliva causing GERD. So saliva production is good for keeping acid reflux at bay. I am not finding any information about what the causes of water brash are. Excessive salivation, and drooling are a possible symptom of GERD in babies.  

There are also other considerations for the drooling (the only search term I could find for excessive salivation) and some of them are kinda scary! Here is a posting about drooling that says excessive drooling could be a symptom of poisoning or reaction to venom from snakes or insect bites. Have you looked into the insect bite possibility? (I would think you would know if you had been snake bit! :) )

Hope things go well for you. Stay in touch and let us know how you're doing!

Vicki M

Saw the GI today.  This is what he told me.  Apparently the H. Pylori bacteria thrives in an acid enviornment(stomach).  After H. Pylori is eradicated the stomach is behind and still is pumping out the acid to feed the H. Pylori.  As a defense mechanism your body will produce extra saliva or even mucous.  This makes sense to me.  The GI told me to take Acihpex twice a day (40mg) for the next 4 to 6 weeks.  So far I have been taking Aciphex once a day and the amonut excess saliva has decreased slightly.  The GI also told I can take Zantac as needed during the day.  M

My problem with Water Brash started on the third day of H. Pylori treatment.  I believe this bacteria in my stomach was eradicated very rapidly.  So far I haven't had any other GERD symptoms except for the Water Brash. 

The thing I learned from this experience is:  Even after completing the treatment for H. Pylori one needs to take acid reducing medication for at least another month.  I stopped taking Aciphex as soon as I took my last antibiotic.  Apparently this was a big mistake on my part.

It appears the treatment for Water Brash symptoms is not working.  I took 40 mg of Aciphex for one week and I developed some serious side-effects(muscle aches, muscle twitches, and headaches).  I called my GI and he switched me to 40 mg of Protonix twice a day.  I have been on Protonix for 6 days and at times the water brash symptoms are worse. 

I usually sleep about 2 to 3 hours a night(I have to get up and clear my mouth and throat of the frothy saliva).  I don't know what to do next.

I can't believe this is still happening. I don't have heartburn but if I do not spit out the saliva I feel a lump in my throat.  The quantity of the saliva is great that I would have to constantly swallow it.

In Oct 2007, I was diagnosed with mild gastritis and was successfully treated for H. Pylori infection.  Since Nov 9, 2007 my life has been a nightmare. I can't go anywhere because my mouth is constantly fills up with saliva. 

At this point the only complaint I have is Water Brash.  Can anyone offer some advice as to what else I can do?  My GI is less than cooperative.  My next appointment with the GI is in late March 08.

Could I be suffering from Bile Reflux along with acid reflux?

I have this trouble and use 40mg of nexium a day . Takes care of the problem.Ask your doctor for a prescription. I know what you are going through.     B.

Dont know if you are still checking.......

I have developed this symptom myself, however, for me its just at the annoying stage, and even then mostly in the evenings. 

I have read documentation that in severe cases, a dose of Atropine can be used to lessen the flood.  This is similar to the Atropine used in general anesthetic to decrease secretions.  No, it wont cure you.  But, it could improve qualilty of life. Worth considering?