At the pharmacy this weekend i asked about taking a bronchodilator (like a cough syrup) as a preventative measure for my exercise induced asthma. I want to know if there is any risk in taking a cough medicine two or three times a week (it helps with the asthma). She didn't have any problem with taking it, but the pharmacist cautioned me about using it with my a-fib. This the first i have heard this and it never crossed my mind before.
Anyone being advised similarly?
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Jonathan_C
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Many cough medicines are contra indicated for ANYBODY with ANY heart issues. You need to read the warning slips with these products. Carvonia for example is VERY bad if you have AF.
My first episode of tachycardia was after taking a decongestant with pseudoephedrine in it. If your asthma is not well controlled you should have a review asap.
Thanks, I use ipvent (ipatromium bromide ... or something like that) - but I asked my EP about this and he says he doesn't think there is any risk in taking salbutomol. Although it increases the heart rate he doesn't think it triggers a-fib.
my cardiologist also didn't have a strong opinion on this either.
Cough syrup. You can buy simple linctus which does nothing or try melting manuka honey and blackcurrant jam in a little hot water. Anything that acts as a bronchodilator is likely to be theoretically contraindicated in AF but some get away with it. All you can do is trust your cardio/EP and suck it and see.
Thanks all for the comments here. I am seeing my EP for a check up next week (holding thumbs) and will ask him what he thinks about this. I seldom use cough medicine so was very interested to see the responses to the questions.
@Buffafly I have seen a pulmonologist and the only thing of value he did was recommend Ipvent over salbutomal. I think my asthma issues (that i still get symptoms despite using a pump) are caused by the beta blockers I am taking.
As someone who has asthma and AF I would not risk taking some obscure cough mixture, I would save my money and have my asthma medication reviewed by a doctor.
Thanks. I have been to a pulmonologist and he put me onto Ipvent and that is mostly effective.
I really want to know from you as what seems to be the only other person on the planet with a-fib and asthma: Have you ever been on beta blockers? And what effect did they have on your asthma?
Feedback on two issues raised in this thread, from my EP. Cough mixtures - yes, there is a risk, but you are safe to take as much as you NEED to get better (i.e. don't exceed the daily recommended dose).
On salbutomal his view is that the strain that asthma puts on your heart is much more likely to trigger a-fib than a few puffs of salbutomal. He did say don't take too much, like Mr Froome did, but definitely rather use salbutomal to avoid asthma than avoid the use of salbutomal.
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