Omeprazole to help asthma and post nasal drip.

[T1ggy]

Has anyone else been prescribed Omeprazole in case their asthma and throat congestion is caused by acid reflux? I have been taking it for 2 weeks with no difference in symptoms. I was wondering how long it was before anyone saw an improvement as I don't know whether to order more or give them up.

[Jamesd1986]

I’ve been given lansoprazole for the same reason . As I get acid reflux or maybe even silent reflux which affects the post nasal drip. However, like you, I am also still struggling with post nasal drip which is likely caused by allergies with the high pollen count right now. Have been struggling for a very long time to find a solution!

I’ve managed to get a referral to the hospital respiratory to be considered for biologic treatment as my asthma is so bad now. Maybe this is something you could try asking about?

I hope you make some progress with the post nasal drip !

[T1ggy in reply to Jamesd1986]

Thank you. Nothing seems to help does it!

[Jamesd1986 in reply to T1ggy]

I know it’s frustrating! Got steroid nasal spray, max anti histamines, extra supplements but still can’t get a full nights sleep without asthma and coughing up. Ironically , sleep is the thing we need to help our symptoms and to help get energy and exercise!

I guess changing diet is another thing to look into but unsure where to start.

[T1ggy in reply to Jamesd1986]

I have tried going dairy free for a fortnight but it didn't make any difference! I also tried to cut down on acid food but that's more difficult. I bought a new mattress (dust mites) and an air purifier. No luck so far!

[Jamesd1986 in reply to T1ggy]

Yep, I’ve done exactly the same with bedding and air purifier and also no luck. I definitely sympathise!

[flowerjunky]

hi T1ggy

I’m on Omeprazole for reflux (as I have a hiatus hernia) and take it twice a day,. If you are only on 1 tablet a day, are you taking it in the evening? I’ve found it also helps to keep evening meals small and avoid alcohol (especially wine). It did take a few weeks for my oesophagus to heal (as the reflux had caused damage to my oesophagus) before I noticed an improvement.

I also take fexofenadine (antihistamine) twice a day and use a steroid nasal spray as I have hayfever and dust mite allergies which contribute to post nasal drip. My consultant also recommended Neilmeds nasal rinse which is lovely and soothing and I’ve found helpful.

I hope you manage to get on top of your symptoms - do keep going back to you dr if they don’t improve as you may need further investigation/medication to help.

[T1ggy in reply to flowerjunky]

Thanks for replying. I hadn't considered that my oesophagus may need to heal before any improvement. I just thought the tablets weren't making any difference to my asthma and blocked throat and nose. So, I need to give them a fair chance then, didn't know whether to order more or not.I also have Neil med and yes it does feel nice. Also fexofenadine and steroid nasal spray. Must be the standard treatment, even if they're not very effective, for me at least!

[flowerjunky in reply to T1ggy]

I think it’s probably worth seeing your gp again (or maybe a pharmacist would be able to advise how quickly you should see improvements). I’ve found that my symptoms have improved slowly (over several weeks).

You don’t say in your post if you’ve been given a steroid inhaler for your asthma ? If so, they can take 6-8 weeks to build up in your system before you see the full effects.

Please do keep seeing your drs if nothing appears to improve. Although we seem to be given the same meds, we are all different and ours bodies likewise !

[T1ggy in reply to flowerjunky]

Yes, I have Seretide and Ventolin. I think the doctor wanted to rule other things out. I had an ECG and blood test and the Omeprazole. Hopefully he'll get on to trying different inhalers if they don't work.The relationship between acid reflux, asthma and sinus type symptoms is very complicated, isn't it.

[flowerjunky in reply to T1ggy]

Good to hear your gp is on top of it all. Yes I’m afraid there’s a lot of us that have the same problems and they seem to be very much linked.

It may be worth asking for a referral to your local hospital Respiratory Unit (although the wait can be horrendously long to be seen!).

[Poppydaydream]

I have asthma and acid reflux ( and terrible hay fever). I was on Omeprazole for 2 years. The last year on double the dose. I was still struggling and when I discovered that long term use could contribute to bone breaks ( I have severe osteoporosis) and pneumonia ( I have Asthma and Bronchiectasis). I didn't feel it was helping either. I'm a plant based Vegan but managed to change my diet enough that now I'm mostly symptom free. ( I'm 76). Good luck. Hope things improve for you.

[T1ggy in reply to Poppydaydream]

Thank you for your reply. I was prescribed Omeprazole to see if acid reflux was causing my asthma and post nasal drip symptons. I have only taken it for 2 weeks so far. It hasn't helped yet. So will have to see!

[Poshcards]

I have been on omeprazole prior to starting on asthma drugs and I still get your symptoms. So i cant see it helps at all x

[T1ggy in reply to Poshcards]

Thanks for reply. That will probably be me too! Nothing seems to make any difference. I've tried so many things.

[Gwalltarian]

Do you take the Omeprazole first thing in the morning? It takes 30 minutes to be absorbed so I try not to eat until then. I also take Rennies if I feel any acidity later in the day and a bedtime. Do you have any indigestion/heartburn symptoms? There is something called silent reflux where you might not realise you have any such problems. However, if you’re not finding any improvement then it’s probably something else causing the symptoms you experience. Do you take antihistamines? Do you drink alcohol?

[T1ggy in reply to Gwalltarian]

Thank you for replying. Acid reflux was just one thing the doctor was exploring for my breathlessness, coughing and blocked head and throat. Had Ecg and blood test so far. He also increased my antihistamines. I just wondered how long I should expect to give the Omeprazole before it makes an improvement. Don't want to give up on it too soon.

[Clairebear35]

I take Lansoprazole in the evening and recently take 2 swigs of gaviscon right before I go to sleep, my consultant said although the lansoprazole stops the burning from the acid I’ll still get some symptoms which for me results in a night time cough. The gaviscon has helped massively. FYI he also said don’t bother with the rennie tablets, they won’t help much. I’ve also switched up my diet which has helped.

[Jamesd1986 in reply to Clairebear35]

Hi, I am also on lansoprazole and unsure if it is helping, but pleased to hear it works for you! I had been taking rennie, but will try gaviscon advance as I hear that is best for silent reflux and GERD. The problem is that these antiacids can prevent other medication from working, so is it best to take gaviscon after the evening meal and then to take the lansoprazole before bed alongside the anti histamines and montelukast? or is lansoprasole best half an hour before your evening meal, then gaviscon , then medication before bed. its tricky to understand the best time to take these medications!

[T1ggy in reply to Jamesd1986]

I don't know if the Omeprazole will help, it's a trial as the doctor says Post Nasal drip and Asthma can be caused by acid reflux. I also take an antihistamine and a statin so those have to be juggled too! Although, I don't have Montelukast, that's also on list to try apparently. I've ended up having different tablets all day, what a pain!