Hunger as an asthma trigger?

[Junglechicken]

Yet again I have something else I would like to ask the community. I’ve noticed a recurring pattern that if I don’t eat properly and have an empty stomach for a while my wheeze gets worse. Has anyone else had this experience?

[Emer1000]

Not the same ... but stomach acid makes my voice hoarse and my asthma flare up. I had never any issues with my stomach that i was aware of but following a look into my stomach and lungs my consultant put me on stomach tablets to stop acid coming back up to my throat and sitting on my voice box and irritating my lungs. I have whatever flaps in my oesophogus that are supposed to stop this that don't work properly. .... so while not the same .... maybe an empty stomach is impacting ... but that I don't know .... does an empty stomach contain acid ? Also the stomach tablets have me virtigo so I don't take them ... but I found the foods that result in stomach acid via a kniesiologist .... no clue how it works but she told me stop eating night shade vegetables and I did and when I eat them I get hoarse throat and start coughing. Cost €50 and was worth it as I would never have figured it out myself.

[Js706]

Do you know if you suffer from reflux? As reflux is like post nasal drip in that it is common in asthmatics and makes asthma symptoms worse.

Just because reflux is often worse when you have an empty stomach as there is no food there to neutralise the acid being produced

[Junglechicken in reply to Js706]

Interesting. I thought acid reflux was produced after eating. My GP treated me for reflux after my last attack but my PF went down on the medication. Not eating however in any situation isn’t going to help my recovery! I’m trying to make sure that I am eating enough to get me strong again

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Junglechicken]

Hi if the anti-reflux meds triggered you, ask to try an alternative. Personally o found omeprazole actually gave me reflux, whilst ranitidine helps to reduce it. Everyone’s different so you need to ‘shop around’ for the right drug for you. Silent reflux can happen at all times of day so both pre and post food, and as Js706 said it’s quite a common trigger for asthma. Keep eating and hope things calm down for you soon

[Js706 in reply to Junglechicken]

Lots of things can trigger reflux but your stomach will constantly try to produce acid whether you’re eating or not - this is another reason it’s often worse at night (lying flat and nothing to neutralise it). It’s worth trying some reflux medication to see if it helps (as EmmaF91 said, sometimes you need to ‘shop around’ a bit). And maybe if you’re not hugely hungry try eating small meals or snacks regularly? Rather than trying to force yourself to have a full meal 3 times a day

[Junglechicken in reply to Js706]

I’m trying to get into the habit of leaving little snacks around the house just as a visual reminder. Sitting next to some fruit at the moment :🤗

[Junglechicken]

Thank you all. Everyone in this forum is so lovely and supportive. It was one of the “prazoles” that made me ill. In the past if I’ve had tummy troubles I’ve taken ranitidine which helped me too. It’s not expensive and available almost anywhere. I remember as a little girl I had a very weak appetite and very bad asthma. I used to hiccup most of the time. Emma, do you take ranitidine every day?

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Junglechicken]

I’m on ranitidine 150mg twice daily. I also have been told to take gavison (or the cheap non-branded stuff 😉) before every meal. Hope that helps

[Junglechicken in reply to EmmaF91]

I do like the taste of the Aniseed Gaviscon. Tastes like the “bobberly ones” in allsorts. Last time I tried to buy it from the pharmacy I got the tenth degree from the lady selling it. I didn’t understand why as you can get it off the shelf in the supermarket through self service, no questions asked. I’ll think I’ll try eating ( a very good move I think) and ranitidine regularly and see if that helps.

[Junglechicken in reply to EmmaF91]

I’ve seen a big improvement in my breathing on Seretide 500. The frequent attacks have stopped and my PF has shot up (I was consistently deep into my amber zone prior) but I am still a bit wheezy. Taking my blue twice a day. So my asthma control was probably poor to start with and if I’ve got a little bit of reflux then that could be the reason why I’m still wheezing.