Ventolin and reflux???

[EmmaF91]

Hi - it’s an unusual side effect (I don’t think it’s even listed as one!), but does anyone else get a worsening of reflux symptoms if they use too much ventolin?

I’m currently on ranitidine (omeprazole ‘gave’ me reflux 🙄) and rarely get issues as was initially put on prophylactically due to pred until omeprazole mucked me up. However now, if I have a neb or 10+ vent, I’m getting nausea, heart burn and reflux.

I should state I’m currently mid flare up with uncontrolled severe asthma so I’m using ventolin a lot (2-10 puffs every 2-4 hrs depending on activity) 😅

So does anyone else get this on salbutamol?

Emma

[birdlover18]

Hi! Inhalers can make your throat feel raw so although I’ve never read about heartburn as a side effect I wouldn’t be surprised. One thing I do find interesting is that your asthma is currently flaring up, and you’re having worse acid reflux. Acid reflux is a known asthma trigger, and it can also cause trouble breathing that feels asthma related, but actually isn’t! My GP told me this awhile back, as I also have GERD/acid reflux and hard to control asthma. Something to consider asking about!

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to birdlover18]

Hi thanks for the reply!

I know but I never get a raw throat with it plus when I used an MDI it’s through a spacer 🤨. It also happens on a DPI too so 🤷‍♀️😅

No the reflux only occurs after I’ve used the inhaler/neb a lot ie I’ve been uncontrolled since July and this only started occurring in the last week or so, and only usually with the higher dose of vent for <30 mins.

The reflux is probably worse because I’ve had to increase my pred back up to 40 again (bounced from 40-20 since July), however as I only feel it after salbutamol I was just wondering if anyone else found something similar or if it was just me 😂

X

[birdlover18 in reply to EmmaF91]

Wow, that’s weird! Sorry I couldn’t be of any help!! I’m currently on prednisone too as I just got over an URI, so hard on the body. Hope you start feeling better soon!

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to birdlover18]

No worries 😉 I’m used to being difficult/different!

Yes pred/hydrocortisone therapy isn’t great! I’m looking forwards to November when I’ll *hopefully* be back down to 25mg so I’ll be able to sleep a bit better and control my emotions more (and December when I’ll be back on maintenance dose of 10)!

Thanks - I’m beginning to get used to being asthma-ry again - I had been more controlled for 6 months on xolair (well less hospital trips anyway 😅), then allergic reaction to it meant that it stopped and I spiralled. Now waiting to be well enough to try mepo and hoping it’ll work for me!

Hope you feel better soon and don’t catch anymore URIs! Xxx

[Hidden]

I have never heard of ventolin causing reflux, but corticosteroids can.

That is a lot of ventolin to take, ventolin causes spiked heart rate and palpitations which often cause feelings of anxiousness which can cause reflux.

Reflux can cause breathing problems that are not responsive to asthma medication, conditions like LPR and VCD.

[Hidden]

Very common side effects. I should own stock in antacids. 😀