I'm asthmatic and need GERD Rx that doesn't cause fatigue

[TRUMPETTE17]

Hi everyone. I'm currently living in the Upper Midwest, in the States, so our healthcare system is a bit different from the UK's; but, I was wondering if anyone knew of a GERD (acid reflux disease) Rx med that doesn't cause immense fatigue. I have asthma that my pulmonologist thinks is triggered by GERD.

Supposedly, I have a bad case of the acid reflux as indicated by the endoscopy I had done at the beginning of this year. Anyway, when first diagnosed I went through four different types of GERD Rx but, found that they all made me very drowsy.

Over this summer, I had the worst asthma attack I've ever had and was forced to take the GERD Rx med, Protinix. Once again, I felt immensely fatigued and have felt this now for over a month. I also take 2 kinds of inhaled asthma meds, plus the rescue inhaler. They contribute to the feeling of exhaustion; however, overall, I'm much better.

If anyone can recommend a GERD Rx med that doesn't cause severe fatigue I would greatly appreciate hearing about it! Thanks and Cheers....

[risabel59]

Whilst I don't know about side effects from acid reflux medications, lots of people with asthma have reflux. There are some great diet changes you can make that may help you. The acid reflux diet is one, but there are lots. Most have a week or so where you cut out a lot of trigger foods, then you can add back in depending on what works for you. Also try and put the head of your bed on books, prop up a couple of inches the keep you on an angle in bed. Try and make sure that you don't go to bed until at least 3 or 4 hours after you eat.

Cut out alcohol, and all carbonated drinks, diet or otherwise. If you are overweight losing some can help.

You can find all of this advice on line. But if you follow it or at least most of it. It can really help and has helped me.

The medicines work, but diet changes can make a huge difference.

Best of luck

R

[Wheezycat]

Hi! I was given omeprazole (generic name) last year for acid reflux. I wasn't suffering really with acid reflux, but it was thought it could worsen my asthma, which wasn't good at the time. Now I don't take it regularly, just as and when. It is sold under different brand names. Here you can also buy one of the brands over the counter. It never made me tired or anything, in fact I noticed no side effects at all, but then we are all different. It did reduce the sense of acidity in my gut.

[starveycat]

I have acid reflux I take an. Omeprazole tablet before breakfast they are called a proton pump inhibitor. I also take Gaviscon advance last thing at night to protect my vocal chords. It is sodium alginate potassium hydrogen carbonate. ..these were prescribed for me by my doctor. I don't know if any of these will help you. I do not feel tired from taking them. Wishing you will soon feel better, gentle hugs .😘

[Hidden]

There are a number of foods that are known to cause problems for people who suffer from GERD: spicey food, fried food, citrus fruits, caffeine (and yes, I'm afraid that does include chocolate), red wine, onions, pineapple and mint. There are probably others that I've forgotten, or that affect some people but not others. It's worth making a note of anything in your diet that seems to be acting as a trigger and building up a list of foods that would be better for you to avoid.

Raising the head end of your bed has been mentioned before. Mine is raised by five inches. Don't rely on pillows to achieve the same effect; the chances are high you'll slip off them during the night.

Not going to bed until at least 3 to 4 hours after your last meal has also been mentioned. I would add to that don't bend over or slouch for at least an hour after you've eaten. I know it's tempting to relax after a meal, but slouching won't help you. Doing so puts pressure on that sphincter muscle at the top of your stomach that normally keeps ingested food and stomach acid where it belongs and can result in stomach contents leaking out and into the oesophagus (causing heartburn etc).

Keep your food portions small. Large meals are another thing that puts pressure on that sphincter muscle. If you happen to be overweight, then smaller portions of food should help you to shift some of the pounds - and yes, being overweight increases the risk of reflux.

I use Gaviscon Advance for my reflux. The liquid suspension form is more effective than the tablets and I am now at the stage of only needing 5ml before I go to bed at night.

Hope some of this helps.

[TRUMPETTE17]

Hi again and thanks so much for your caring replies. Turns out that THRONGS of people who take the PPI Protonix have experienced severe side effects; however, from what I recall from the beginning of the year I didn't react well to any of the GERD remedies, even OTC Zantac. Yes, getting rid of the GERD should be my #1 goal so it doesn't instigate the asthma flare-ups, so I appreciate your advice regarding diet change, etc.

I also found out that I might be seriously dehydrated from the PPI, so I am drinking a lot of water and am also weaning myself off of the PPI. I will be seeing my pulmonologist on the 28th of this month for a follow-up and will tell him what I am doing. My asthma is much better and I will keep taking those Rx inhalers. Basically, I am going to try alternatives to the PPI or any medicine for GERD, and I know there is plenty of info available for that.

I think by drinking copious amounts of water daily will not only help with the dehydration from the PPI but also start me on the right track towards remedying the GERD, as water is usually the #1 recommendation for both GERD and Asthma.

Thanks again, folks, and I'll see ya 'round the site!