side effects inhaler.

[Mrteddycat]

been on the brown inhaler for a few months now. Thinking of coming off it as voice is croaky and im getting acid reflux a lot , cant even eat chocolate !! Fed up

[Bevvy]

Are you in any medication for reflux? That can help. It might be you need a different inhaler but certainly I wouldn’t stop taking it until you have spoken to Gp or asthma nurse.

[Mrteddycat in reply to Bevvy]

Ordered some hcl with pepsin tablets see how i get on with them . Ill mayb e consult the nurse bout inhaler

[Homely2 Administrator]

Asthma can be very scary when it goes wrong, so I would not come off your inhaler without talking to your medic.

There are loads of different inhalers out there, there will be something that suits your asthma.

Ring the asthma UK helpline on 0300 2225800 if you want some help.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I agree with the others - please don't stop any medication without discussing it with your GP or asthma nurse, it isn't safe. As Homely2 says, there are other inhalers out there which may suit you better. I also agree to chat things through with the asthma nurses on the helpline.

In terms of croaky voice, do you rinse out your mouth after taking it? I always gargle with water a few times after taking mine and it's fine (high dose inhaled steroid). If I miss doing this then I notice it and get a croaky voice.

[madonbrew]

Seriously don't stop taking your meds without medical advice.. I've just had a very scary 11 day hospital trip (with taking mine) but it's not worth the risk. Like the others have said, there are other options! It's just finding the right one!Stay safe!

[Oldandgray]

acid reflux and asthma seem to go hand in hand for some people. Ask your asthma nurse or GP for some medication but also ask for them to consider referring you for a gastroscopy.

After five years of an asthma diagnosis I eventually got a gastroscopy only to find I have severe gastritis and a large hernia. Since my stomach medication has been changed and increased my ‘asthma’ is a lot more stable.

[AppleOrchard]

I have the same issue with my voice. I came off and it was a huge mistake. It took months to get back on track, plus endless steroids.

I’m still trying to find one that doesn’t affect my voice but I’m staying on because of what I experienced the last time!

See if you can have an appointment with a specialist to find an inhaler that suits you.

I haven’t had reflux so can’t comment on that.

[strongmouse in reply to AppleOrchard]

Croaky throat is a nuisance. As I have GERD I take omeprozole for this but I also find that rhinitis aggrevates it. I am allergic to moulds and dustmites so I've developed a routine. I use a nasal wash before taking my inhaler and then gargle, then I take my inhaler. Gargle thoroughly after taking it, waiting for the required time, and then clean my teeth. This seems to help.

[Mrteddycat in reply to strongmouse]

Are you ok on omez ? Help a lot?

[strongmouse in reply to Mrteddycat]

I used to take zantac, but that can no longer be prescribed! So I was put on omeprozole, it certainly helps. I normally take two a day, but can up it to two twice a day if needed. I have had a duodenal ulcer many years ago and I have a hiatus hernia. I've had to take medication for GERD since 1994 with no serious side effects and definite benefits.

[runcyclexcski]

Being on a specific medication for reflux -- Bevvy's and Oldandgray's points -- helped me big time. I used to wake up every 2 hrs (when my asthma flares up), but with the proton-blocker I sleep through the night. What a difference this makes. Also, no more heavy meals before sleep.

[Girasol16]

Hello Mrteddycat, I just came across your post and wondered how you had deduced that your inhaler is causing the problem? I just ask because I have similar issues but had discounted my inhaler as a cause following last visit from doctor, but now wondering if I should reconsider!

I was only diagnosed with asthma in June 23 and only got symptoms in November, once that died down I was left with terrible need to clear throat, throat feels full of phlegm, always worse when I eat. Throat clearing makes my voice hoarse and hurts my chest. I assumed it was asthma related but after 2 months the doctor said maybe I have silent reflux. I already have GERD and have been on omeprazole for about 18yrs. I assumed the inhaler was affecting me because it removes phlegm and I seem to have a lot of it, but hadn't really considered it might be a cause. My peak flow seems fine. Like you, getting very fed up! I would be interested to know if you do find improvement if you switch inhalers, I will also be asking about that at next appointment!