reflux

[3Bulldogs]

Hi , can anyone tell me if their asthma is exacerbated by gastroesophageal reflux , I have been under a gastroenterologist for 10 years . I have had 3 different inhalers in as many weeks as I have been breathless , chronic cough , pain in my throat constantly , burning and having coughing fits during the night and producing lots more phlegm. Thus has been constant for a few months and I’m just going round in circles , I haven’t had any steroids and the asthma nurse questioned COPD ! I am exhausted trying to work and function , this is so out of character for my asthma and has become very uncontrolled. I would be very grateful for any suggestions or experiences .

Many thanks 🙏.

[Bevvy]

Astham can definitely be exasperated by reflux and the symptoms you are commenting on sound very much like these are caused by reflux. Whilst you have been treated by a specialist for this have they recently tried different medications for this or done any additional tests to see if it has worsened. That would seem sense to me. If you are having additional difficulties at night have you tried to raise your head in bed? I have a foam wedge and 2 pillows to help raise my head. The wedge did take time to get used to - I kept rolling off it! But now wouldn’t be without it. Not sleeping well at night is definitely going to affect you detrimentally and make you feel decidedly worse.

The other thing I noticed in your post is trying 3 different inhalers in 3 weeks!! This won’t help with your asthma!! It takes time to discover if an inhaler will work for an individual and by that it can be up to a good 6-8 weeks. Changing inhalers after a few days seems to me to unhelpful and your asthma nurse should know this. “Suggesting COPD” is not helpful and shouldn’t be given as ad hoc opinion. There are tests for COPD and unless they are done, all a comment like that is likely to do is unnecessarily worry you.

Maybe speak to the nurses on this site to get professional advice and to get suggestions as to how to deal with your medical team.

[Babyyoda1]

like you ive been going through the same and had numerous inhalers ,had sreriods 3 times in a year which was a total nightmare because it made me gain weight, which made it worse, had different reflux. Medication that didn't help, numerous tests to prove i have asthma what a joke , ive asked the specialist could i have copd, all i get as im not a smoker and my weight okay then i cannot have copd, it makes you think do they exactly what they are doing

[Autie1]

definitely yes i have severe oesphagitis which when it flares up causes no end of problems with my asthma. And because im currently tube fed its causing even more issues. I had to stop medicines for my asthma as they cant be dissolved or crushed. Its a nightmare im very grateful my gp knows me and although steriod tablets dont help my tummy issues hopefully they will get my asthma better. Ask your dr for medication that lowers the acid in your tummy like omeprazole or fomitidine I take both and normally that keeps everything under control.

[peege]

I can imagine just how hard it is to function on really rubbish sleep.

Many many patients with various lung diseases also have reflux issues and are on prescribed medication like omeprezole to control it. There is also silent reflux which is worth looking up on the NHS website as it can cause all sorts of problems.

I cant believe your respiratory nurse has allowed you 3 different inhalers over 3 weeks! You only have to read the leaflets in the packages to see they take about 3 weeks to work.

I've had reflux issues most of my adult like and have controlled it by cutting out acid foods & fatty foods. Now rapeseed oil and lots more besides trigger it. A few weeks ago I purchased omeprazole at pharmacist to try (carefully reading the leaflet & checking with pharmacist). It works a treat and changed my life.

It's worth trying via prescription if possible (so its on your medical records for future reference). If it doesnt work then they can investigate further the meantime there's Gaviscon, rennies and other over the counter remedies.

Good idea to call the helpline: 0300 2225800 or WhatsApp [phone] Monday-Friday 0915-5pm **also see the previous post to speak to Dr Andy on 5th October

[Itswonderful]

hello. Sorry you are feeling so awful. I have raised the head end of my bed as wedges and more pillows etc didn’t work for me, I kept sliding down. Have you considered changing your diet? It helped me. I eat fresh fruit and vegetables. No processed or take aways. I cut out dairy. I eat smaller portions and eat 2 meals a day instead of 3 so I’m giving my body a chance to digest. I drink water through the day. I eat my last meal of the day earlier than I used to. I have gaviscon double action on hand so if I feel the start of possible reflux or indigestion I take it. I cut out fizzy drinks and alcohol. I could see that the medics would only be able to do so much and that I had to make changes to feel better. You may have already made changes so I’m sorry if this isn’t helpful but I hope you feel better soon. Best wishes to you.

[Hidden]

Yes mine did worse after an episode of gastro reflux. I already had asthma and had an appointment with an ENT specialist who asked if I felt the need to be sick when when I laid down... he could see the signs on examination. It had been bothering my sleep, asthma and general well being for a year or so.

Now? I'm all clear and take Omeprazole. Asthma is better now and I sleep well

David

[J1G54ws]

hi I also responded well to 30mg of omeprasol,I been taking it now for two weeks and it has almost stopped all the coughing. I also suffer with very mild asthma usually controlled with a daily antihistamine. More of a allergic asthma like dust perfumes and strong smells and carpet shops. But also been told that it’s caused by acid reflux or cva.But about six months ago the coughing and being sick got out of control.I started on the clenil inhaler for 8 weeks and it hasn’t worked for me but the omeprasol has Asthma is such a complicated disease so when one thing doesn’t work something else does I’ve been in remission for four yrs and it’s started again.Anyway try the high dose of omeprasol as it too works for some people whose inhalers haven’t worked for them.

[lindanut]

Hi. I’m 67yrs old. Asthma has been with me for the most part of my life. Reflux was once controlled by prescription drugs. More recently, my focus is on keeping my body more alkaline where possible. Bicarbonate of soda bought from the grocer’s shop has become my best friend. I take 1/4tsp in a large glass of water before my day starts then midday and before I go to bed and I have no acid reflux. I have also noticed a significant change in my breathing for the better.

[Cushti]

Hi, I have had similar reflux issue recently. I tried gaviscon as advised by the consultant at hospital (I have had some tests earlier this year after my asthma exasperation); and believe it or not it did help. Also the posts are right about keeping an eye on what we eat and portion control etc. I agree it can help. Hope you feel better soon take care.

[Steven1984]

don’t usual respond to posts but made an exception on this occasion.

I’ve been struggling with worsening asthma for the past 10 years. The reflux connection seemed the most logical reason, based on my own assessment of my body rather than any medical diagnosis (the latter proved difficult). Tried various anti-acid solutions which ultimately made the situation worse. My condition is somewhat better now and this is a result of lifestyle choices including diet (that’s trail and error so takes time to understand) and I also use a tool called Iqoro several times a day. Can’t say for sure if Iqoro works but I’m certainly in a better place so will continue to use.

[andiharper]

mine is, the only tip I can give you is raise the head of your bed by 20cm - a couple of bricks

[Evie3]

have had the same….I had a couple of private appointments with respiratory. I have a hiatus hernia as well as asthma. From elimination….trying Relvar, Carbocisteine etc, he came to the conclusion I was inhaling gasses from my stomach causing the cough…worse at night. He said I needed to eat smaller meals especially at night and gave me Domperidone for 3 weeks…which moves food thro the gut quickly. He said it would reset my cough . mechanism. I was skeptical but it works!!

[Evie3 in reply to Evie3]

and have my bed head propped up