Newly diagnosed Hiatal Hernia..impact on asthma!

[JustR]

Hi, following on from my post a couple of months ago when my GERD was really flaring up I’ve had an endoscopy and been diagnosed with a 2cm sliding hiatal hernia😕

I’m interested in finding out if anyone has the same issue and how this effects your asthma?

Do you find it has an impact on your asthma and the control of it?

I’ve always suffered with reflux for the last 15yrs and I know the difference between my reflux and asthma symptoms..although sometimes my reflux can trigger asthma symptoms too.

It’s just the symptoms with the hiatal hernia seem to be in my chest and diaphragm which I can feel has more of an impact on my breathing sometimes.

Would welcome your experiences and thoughts😀

[floating_]

I have a hiatal hernia and I would say it does have an impact on my breathing, and subsequently my asthma, but how much of an impact I'm not sure. My consultant told me to ask my GI doctor about starting a PPI, but I'm already on two different medications that cause acid reduction, so not sure a PPI would even be an option!

[JustR in reply to floating_]

Hi, it’s really hard to measure the impact like you said. I’m trying to work out if it’s making the control of my asthma harder so I can factor this into my steroid wean.

I’m currently taking omeprazole 20mg morning and night and have some for many years so not sure what more they can do? I hope they find something for you that will help.

[floating_ in reply to JustR]

Are you under a respiratory consultant? Or GP? Might be worth speaking to them first if you haven't already!

There are surgeries I think, but they're not really an option for me. Given that you've been diagnosed with HH, are you under a GI? If not, might be worth asking for a referral?

[Poobah]

I have a HH but only suffer from reflux if I overeat or eat processed foods like cakes, biscuits, crisps, ready meals, confectionery or take aways. I've known about my HH for at least 30 years and it tells me when my diet is bad as I get reflux and if I'm having to reach for antacids I know it's time to cut out the rubbish from my diet. I also make sure I have live yoghurt daily (probiotics), some fruit, lots of vegetables, about 8 or 9 ozs of protein pd, minimal carbs. I have the occasional treat and I don't have any problems with that - it's only when I indulge more often that the reflux returns. I have to be careful as I take iron tablets for anaemia as they can cause digestive problems and I can't take any antacids around the same time of day as they affect the iron absorption. So I avoid antacids if at all possible, hence the need for me to find an alternative way to control the reflux.

I know what you mean about feeling the experience of having something impinge on your chest cavity which causes breathlessness or wheezing. It's a horrible feeling and I get it if we eat out and I've over indulged. I know my limits but I love the foods that don't do me any favours.

[Willow7733]

I have had a huge hiatal hernia for over 15 years. I have managed to get the GERD under control by not eating a heavy meal for supper/dinner. It helps a lot. I do find it hard on my asthma when I am having a lot of acid reflux. It is scary. Watch out for having trouble swallowing your food. For years, I had to go get my esophagus stretched because of the reflux. But, luckily, watching what I eat and when I eat has helped so much, I haven’t had any problems now for years! Good luck with everything and I hope you feel better soon.