Hi Everyone I am experiencing extreme stomach bloating, most uncomfortable and of course increases shortness of breath. Exercising, walking and soda water helps, but just wonder if any one has any other suggestions for something I may just be able to purchase from the pharmacy.
Thanks
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Dampier
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I Recognise your Symptons Hun, my Consultant arranged for me to have a Tummy Scan, nothing wrong, so I diet and Exercise, still have the Bloated Tummy, I have to Blame the Steroids, my GP Agrees. I have managed to lose a few Kilos, which I am Happy about, Just wear baggy clothes all the time. I am also Stage 4,waiting transplant. But, I actually feel quite well at this Stage of my Life. Love n Hugs to you. have a Happy Christmas. XXX
Thanks for the reply - with me I think it may just be trapped air - the only thing that relieves is massive burping - so soda water, etc., seems to help. Good luck with your transplant and you too, have a Lovely Christmas - hug hug
It's a known side effect with tiotropium based drugs - like Spiriva, Braltus and similar anticholinergic bronchodilator like SeeBri (Glycopironium)etc.
It's supposed to be fairly rare...but it affected me. And a few others have posted the same effect.
Spiriva (all tiotropium derivatives) works by relaxing the smooth muscle in your lungs preventing it constricting your airways.
In some people it overspills and freezes the smooth muscle at the top part of the digestive system, giving an uncomfortable tucked up bloated feeling, particularly after the gassy/reflux usual suspects - broccoli, sprouts, cabbage, garlic, chocolate, coffee etc.
Ask to try an alternative- I'm unaffected in that way by Formoterol, but there are plenty of other bronchodilators, too... albeit they may not be as effective for your breathing as Spiriva.
Best wishes & good luck - I know how uncomfortable this is.
The side effects that are supposedly rare are in fact not that rare when you see the information leaflet and it says how many people are actually affected. Maybe some side effects are less common but they’re not rare enough for my liking 😕
Sorry, somehow that sounds like I’m being critical of you, which was not at all my intention. If there was any criticism, it’s of how the statistics in the leaflet are expressed because rare is not all that rare!
All made me terribly ill, with huge weight loss - massive stomach bloating and cramps/pain, SOB, exhaustion and runs - I was very close to death at one point.
I stopped all tb meds - took bicarb of soda (1 spoon in half cup warm water) once a day.
This cleared all gasses and reduced stomach size, removed cramps/stomach pain within days.
Since then I only take (Fostair, Salbutemol, Spiriva inhalers, - Plus serrapetase (natural enzyme)). I have had no side effects from fostair which is a steroid inhaler).
I am now relatively well overall and can walk, excersise lightly and even cycle.
Try the bicarb and I would especially recommend serrapetase (holland & barret or online).
I too am on salbutemol, (4 puffs three times daily), ultibro (which is like spiriva (24 hour slow release) and flixotide (steroid inhaler. I have also been on a really strong antibiotic azithromycin three times weekly. Have been on the above for some time now, the bloating has just started in the last month or so.
I will start the bicarb today - and obtain some of the serrapetase as soon as I can.
Thanks for taking the time I will let you know how I go.
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