Bisoprolol and Asthma

[Goldiocks]

Hi Had HA a year ago and was put on 2.5 Bisoprolol beta blocker. Had problems trying to recover due to breathlessness. Around 3 months later they tried me with Amlodipine in addition to Bisoprolol. But I was even worse. Then around 4 months ago was put on 1.25 Bisoprolol at night and still take Amlodipine and things improved, but if I "push" myself during Cardio Rehab or walk for longer etc I get very breathless. Question is anyone else have problems with Bisoprolol and Asthma? Regards.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I have Asthma I think it is just normal Asthma and take Bisoprolol to the same dose

I do get breathless sometimes but I have just got used to it been checked over everything seems ok I never wondered if Bisoprolol was having an effect yet I should have done as my Husband went on it once and he was breathless so came of it and I do believe it can be a side effect as well having said that it is a good med one that Doctors and Consultants tend to put us on

It will be interesting to see what others think and reply and if you are struggling you need to talk with your Doctor again

Let us know how you get on x

[Goldiocks in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you BeKind28 I have an appointment with GP to discuss next week as my Asthma review is due anyway. Just wondered if others had the same problem. Thinking of asking to move to replace Bisoprolol. Problem is could be jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Thanks again.

[BeKind28- in reply to Goldiocks]

Hello

I am glad you have an appointment with your GP

Let us know how you get on x

[VelvetSky]

I am a Chronic Asthmatic and the Consultant told me I could not take Bisoprolol.

[Blackwolf_7619]

Hi 👋

I have asthma and had the same reaction on bisoprolol. My doctor told me it was all in my head because bisoprolol is cardioselective and doesn't affect the phrenic nerve. This is the same doctor who, at a different time tried to prescribe me amitriptyline whilst on bisoprolol because he wasn't, at the time, looking at my medical records. I had to tell him.

Anyway...I did eventually get used to it. I think it my just feel like that because of the hr slowing.

I don't take bisoprolol anymore as it did nothing to help my condition, and I did feel like a Zombie on it, but I think it is probably one of the better ones. Propranolol is one of the bad ones for asthmatics.

[Hidden]

HiI had asthma as a child and bisoprolol has brought it back not had it for 34 years now get it daily

[Dorsetjohn]

After my HA and one stent two years ago I was put on all the usual meds, I felt really rough after a few days, no energy couldn't walk more than 100 yards, when I rang my GP, he immediately said you've got asthma, you shouldn't be on Bisoprolol, I contacted my rehab nurse and she agreed, so I stopped it and immediately felt better.

Usual caveats, this is my experience, consult a qualified practitioner.

[EmmJayTea]

My first reply on this forum - hello! 🙂

Out of interest, what type of breathlessness? I'm asthmatic too and on a different cardio-selective beta-blocker (metoprolol) as an arrhythmia treatment. I am getting frequent breathless episodes when out for a walk. However, mine aren't the familiar wheezy asthmatic tightness. This is feels more like a lack of oxygen/heavy chest thing - no wheezing at all.

I'm not a medic, but I do understand the conflict between asthma and beta-blockers after a really interesting conversation with one of my consultants. Read on if you would like the explanation...

Broadly speaking, beta-blockers have the opposing function to asthma relievers such as Salbutamol (Ventolin), which is a beta-agonist. (more info : nhs.uk/conditions/bronchodi.... That's how this particular asthma treatment works to calm a wheezy tight chest. Therefore, if (y)our asthma is severe or not well controlled, beta-blockers could bring on bronchospasms (the familiar wheezy chest thing). There is a bit more to it as there are several classes of beta-blocker, but this is the general concept. Interesting stuff, eh? 🤔

So the moment any of us asthmatic folk are lined up for beta-blockers, a little alarm bell rings (and rightly so). This is why doses may be low and experimental in the early days, depending on the stability of the asthma and your individual heart condition.

Of course, it does depend on the individual and a fair few asthmatics appear to be on beta-blockers. We're just not terribly straightforward people! 😉

[Goldiocks in reply to EmmJayTea]

Hi Welcome. I am the similar as yourself. Not wheezy, but get out of breath walking a longer distance, or if I push myself, for example went out with a friend to a large department store and did lots of walking and chatting while doing so and just struggled to breathe at the end. Took my GTN spray as thought it was heart related, but ended up using my blue inhaler and after two sprays I felt better. What has prompted me to talk to the GP is that my oxygen level dropped to 89 after one of these episodes. I am usually 97. So suggest if you have one of the little monitors you you put on your finger. You can buy in Boots Amazon etc that measure your oxygen levels and heart rate, check yours.

Cardiologist says ask the GP to increase your Asthma meds and try that. Seems reluctant to change the beta blocker as he said your heart is stable, more or less saying lets keep it that way. My asthma was well controlled before being put on these meds. Admittedly I could not exercise for a while after the HA, which makes Asthma rear its head. I am better than I was a year ago but still struggle a little bit and want to sort it out. Thank you for the link, its very interesting.

This was my first post and I am very happy with replies.

Lynn xx

[Dewson]

Thank you for raising this. I have been on bisoprolol for a couple of years along with candesarten for a year or so. My asthma/ bronchitis has been steadily getting worse and I recently began to suspect the connection so stopped them. It is now slowly improving. My GP was totally dismissive of my suspicions, not helpful at all. Strangely my asthma is worst at rest and better when out walking which is puzzling. This discussion is helpful, many thanks.

[Slidingdoors99]

Hi. Sorry to hear your story. I just wanted to add that I have had mild asthma for many years (only one blue inhaler a year, if that)

I first went into AFib in September 2020 and that’s what they put me on in hospital.

My mild asthma disappeared and I needed a brown inhaler and a mask and I was still really breathless…

Thankfully they took me off it and put me on something else. I asked if many people had this reaction and they said yes, quite a few, but it’s the first thing we try!

[Goldiocks]

Pleased you were changed and you felt better. I think this is a good med unless you are asthmatic and sensitive to it. Hoping I get an improvement soon.

[Dyllibobs]

I'm new to Bisoprolol & have mild asthma. Since my heart bypass 9 weeks ago I had some breathlessness too. I mentioned this to the GP who changed my inhaler & this seems to have resolved the issue. Hope you get it sorted x

[Thurman05]

same issue but have Lung Disease also, so adding to it. My last 3 tests with that have been stable. I have been using my Emergency Zingaler more often.

I took myself off an isopropyl I felt worst but, Heart rate is worst. The PCP had to do BP three times last week heart rate BP very high and has been more so last 2 months.

I go in 3 weeks for Echo and following week to Cardiologist. I want Statin changed as well. I will not be his favorite patient don’t think.