Irritated lungs / breathing passages

[Slim2018]

Anyone else having a sensation of irritation in the breathing system with Flecainide... had it for the last two or three months..difficult to get anyone to come up with an idea as my peak flow is well above the norm for my age, I row, run, cycle and walk without problem. My oxygen levels are always around 98% and no cough to speak of other than the occasional tickle and staying out of AF (touch wood) with now one a day Flecainide as opposed to two. Ablation was nearly two years ago, cardioversion two years in October. My GP says probably “silent reflux” so has doubled my PPI for the next couple of weeks. Only other factor is I have had three migraines in the last month, usually two a year! I am conscious that my phone keeps saying high or very high pollen, but not something I have knowingly suffered before...I only say “with Flecainide” as this time last year wasn’t taking it until October when I started daily...come on guys you are always a wealth of ideas. Last full ECG three weeks ago absolutely spot on..

[Paulbounce]

I don't know if my reply will help much Slim2018.

Peronally I have never had any breathing problems taking flec - not that I'm aware of anyway. The only time when I have had breathing problems is when I've been in afib. Then it's like you're taking in 95% of your breath as opposed to 100% (for me anyway).

Lungs and heart are connected. Maybe it's worth disussing with your cardio ?

It's good news your ECG was spot on.

TBH I've not heard of silent reflux before. However a quick look on Google shows that shortness of breath can be symptom. Maybe stick with your doc's advice for now and see if it clears up in a week or so.

If not try and speak to your cardio.

Hope all goes well and get's sorted out for you soon.

Paul

[Sfhmgusa]

Hi

Are you on a beta blocker with the flecainide? I had some breathing issues which I initially put down to flec but it seems it was my beta blocker ( Bisoprolol) for me. Only make any changes with the support/agreement of your doctor but it may be worth looking at

[Slim2018 in reply to Sfhmgusa]

No nothing but 100 mg Flecainide taken every evening at 9.00 pm. My instinct is I am significantly more sensitive to pollen than I have ever been and wondered, as the only new factor is, the Flecainide.

[Sfhmgusa in reply to Slim2018]

I am not a doctor but I had understood that with flecainide most people have a “ buddy” drug either a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker. ( to stop flec side effects) It may be worth asking your doctor if you need one or similar as this may help

[CDreamer]

I’d go with your doctor’s opinion that it could be silent reflux - research it as it is not something to ignore - or it could be pollen irritation or it could be a combination of both. Personally I stay well clear of PPI’s as once on them many people find they can not withdraw from them but it is maintaining a balance as silent reflux can do so much damage to oesophagus, airways and lungs.

What was the original reason for prescribing PPI? Many doctors prescribe them as a prophylactic in anticipation of a medication causing gastric problems but I found that I did much better on controlling reflux with my diet and eating plan - I hope you always take Flec correctly, never near mealtimes or with food and always with a full glass of water, these things really matter.

I use nasal rinses x 2 daily for pollen irritation and occasional use of steroid nasal spray when sinus feel particularly blocked. Try nasal rinse after your outdoor activity and if it doesn’t improve after a few days, I’d go with the silent reflux theory.

Best wishes and let us know how you go.

[Thomas45]

I took 150mg Flecainide twice a day for 10 years without any 'buddy' drugs without any side effects, but as there is no 'standard human' it's likely that reactions to drugs will be slightly different.

[chenstone18]

You are very similar to me in in athlete pursuits, medication and side effects. I have been told its silent reflux as well and find that after food it is fine. It is an uncomfortable upper chest feeling, above the nipples, giving me a lump in the throat and the feeling of an irritated chest but with no cough. I have taken slippery elm and gaveston which help as well. I think that this feeling is linked to bringing on an episode but not worked that out fully but the stomach is linked to the heart via the vagus nerve so could be the case.

[Slim2018 in reply to chenstone18]

Makes a lot of sense