Asthma and reflux

[cconsta1]

My gp think I have reflux caused by my asthma, which in turn is making my asthma worse. Anyone ever had this? I've never heard of it, however I know from experience very often ppl who have been through it have better perspective than GPS etc. (no offence to my gp he's very nice)

Callie

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Reflyx is caused by stomach contents with acid coming up and irritating the upper airways. Treatment generally consists of a tablet to reduce the acidity of the stomach and so reduce the irritation. Sometimes gp can have a trial run of giving you the treatment for one month to see if it improves things.

Rose xx

[cconsta1]

Ahhh I see I have never seen it as something to associate with asthma! I'm so desperate now though I will try anything. My dr wanted to admit me yesterday but I managed to convince him to let me try and manage at home a bit longer!

Hope your ok

X

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I know how annoying hospital is (she says writing from her hosp bed lol...) but please dont hesitate yo seek medical attention if you get any worse. Hoping things improve for you soon.

Rose xx

[cconsta1]

Oh no poor you hope you get some freedom soon!

Don't worry I will be sensible! I've learnt that lesson before!

Feel better!

Callie

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Hi Callie there is a large association between reflux and lung problems, esp asthma. I think they told me a Papworth that something like 80% of their patients (respiratory) have reflux, and 50% of those had silent reflux (ie unnoticed due to lack of symptoms other than respiratory).

I have terrible reflux and I also get a lot of aspiration pneumonia, when stomach contents enter the lungs. I take domperidone 20mg three times a day to help empty my stomach faster, and omeprazole 40mg twice a day to reduce the amount of acid my stomach produces. Of course neither of these actually can physically prevent reflux from occuring, but can reduce the amout of 'stuff' there to reflux!

Depending on your doctor or consultant, there are differing approaches. You may just be put on meds to see if things improve (more difficult if you dont have symptoms) or they may do investigations such as oesophageal ph monitoring over a 24hr period.

Feel better soon

Lynda

[cconsta1]

Thank you for the info! I was tempted to google it but that can always cause confusion!

I'm on something beginning with om 20 mg twice a day... Not feeling much difference breathing wise but not had much heartburn etc which is nice :).

Really worn out and grumpy this evening. I always feel I get really emotional when my chest is bad. And because you don't sleep much it's worse. I have to keep checking myself make sure I'm not being snappy or glum!

Hope your all having a nice Friday!

Callie