Inhalers and reflux

[24cc]

Hello everyone. I take Fostair NEXThaler and the occasional puff of Ventolin for bronchiectasis and asthma. More recently I've started getting reflux, for which I've been given Omeprazole. I consider myself to be a fairly fit 50-something; I'm quite slim and work out regularly, so I was a little annoyed when my (unpleasant) GP dismissed my concerns with "well, we're all getting older", when I asked him if I was likely to be on Omeprazole for ever. I'd be interested to know if anyone else thinks that it might be more than just coincidence that having used Fostair, which contains a bronchodilator, they have subsequently developed reflux! Thanks for reading.

[watergazer]

I'm on fostairnexthaler however no signs of reflux yet. I've been taking it for a while now. x

[24cc in reply to watergazer]

Thanks for replying. It's taken me a while to get used to the bronchiectasis diagnosis, and I now feel I'm on a slippery slope having got reflux, so I'm looking for reasons other than general aging.!

[Patchpoppy2]

Hi 24cc. I too got diagnosed with reflux when got bronchiectasis diagnosis in 2000, I take oneprazole, but have been told to higher end of bed, have head higher than feet. Avoid, onions, tomatoes, citrus fruit. It may help. Good luck

[Kpacific]

I never had acid reflux prior to taking inhalers for Bronchiectasis (3years ago). I try to have something to eat prior to taking the inhalers. This was suggested by my asthma doctor. The idea is to coat the passageway making it more difficult for the medication to penetrate. This technique has helped me. Now I infrequently get reflux...usually occurs when I have to take more inhaler puffs than normal.

[24cc in reply to Kpacific]

Thanks. I'll try that. It makes sense.

[wheezyof]

Hello 24cc,

Like you I was fit. Okay 10 years older but worked full time, walked everywhere and had a cast iron stomach. I could, did eat whatever I felt like and even if I binged, ate weird mixtures or ate at odd times I had no problems.

Then I was prescribed oral steroids.

My stomach bloated and was so sore even wearing loose clothing was agony. I was prescribed omiprozole and even though I no longer take oral steroids my stomach is still 'fussy'. No reflux but if I don't pop the omiprozole I get a lot of pain, not as high up as heartburn/reflux, more across the belly button area.

If you think it's a side effect from your inhaler and your doctor is dismissive and rude ask to see a different doctor.

[24cc in reply to wheezyof]

Thanks for telling me about your experiences. I didn't like the GP's attitude from the minute I walked in, and left the surgery vowing to myself that I would never see him again under any circumstances!