why am I coughing and endlessly clearing my throat

[Lyralyra]

This has gone on for 4 months since starting first alendronic acid then risedronate. I’ve only just made the connection but it’s not mentioned in side effects. Has anyone else experienced this ?

[Met00]

Coughing and throat clearing the way you describe can be a symptom of acid reflux. That's a fairly common side effect of oral bisphosphonates, so it would be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor and ask about alternatives. Please don't let your doctor persuade you to take PPI medication (eg omeprazole) to counter this, as PPI's may cause loss of bone density!

[Lyralyra in reply to Met00]

Thank you very much for this. I had thought acid reflux was like heartburn. I will talk to my doctor as you advise and thank you also for explaining PPI medication. You’ve been very helpful.

[Met00 in reply to Lyralyra]

You're welcome. I only know about the acid reflux link with coughing and throat clearing because it's something I suffer from (due to a different cause) and once had it investigated.

[Lyralyra]

Thank you but no I haven’t had any stomach upsets or indigestion

[Jumpey]

It sounds like Gerd.Try Gaviscon Advance not PPIs which inhibit mineral absorption and therefore affect bone density.

[Radars in reply to Jumpey]

I have stopped ppis after donkeys years with a hiatus hernia, stopped drinking alcohol has helped and switching to famatodine.

[Teriparatide2024 in reply to Radars]

I swapped from omeprazole to famatodine sometime ago for the same reason as you. However, I am wondering if maybe they don’t say famotidine is bad for Osteoporosis simply because they haven’t been clinical trials to prove it yet. So I’m wondering if the reason omeprazole (and maybe famatodine too) have a detrimental effect for Osteoporosis is because they both reduce the acid in the stomach…. Have you found any research on my suggestion?

[Radars in reply to Teriparatide2024]

from what I have been reading famatodine is more healthy than ppis.

[Jumpey in reply to Teriparatide2024]

Both PPIs and histamine antagonists(famotidine) reduce stomach acid and mineral absorption. PPIs are stronger in this respect.

[Teriparatide2024 in reply to Jumpey]

👍

[TandemTime in reply to Jumpey]

Does this include anti histamine as I have to take the drousey version ( half a tablet) every other night to get some sleep . I am on steriods so can be awake for many hours at night otherwise.

[Jumpey in reply to TandemTime]

I don’t know .

[Graceissufficient in reply to Teriparatide2024]

I think that's right (no research to give you). Gerd best treated by diet ... mine massively improved by stopping coffee etc

[Gingertea3]

My Dr said these were symptoms of 'silent reflux'. It's not always heartburn that is felt.

[Soaylady74]

Yes I did get a cough too - but ended up with erosion of the asophagus and digestive problems -

I have been off Alendronic acid since November, and am due to go and be assested again this week -

I still have that cough!

[Lyralyra in reply to Soaylady74]

Thank you for your reply. Please could you tell me how long you were taking Alendronic acid?

[Soaylady74 in reply to Lyralyra]

Hi, Yes was taking it for just under two years

[Soaylady74 in reply to Lyralyra]

I have been put on a loading dose of vit D which I have to take once a week for 7 weeks, - at the end I have to have a rest from Vit D for 4 weeks - then start osteocare again - then I shall start taking prescribed Calci-D -I will also be getting Zoledronic Acid injections once a year for 2 years

[Olliemaya]

Hi I also had to try and clear my throat constantly while on AA. Since stopping them it is starting to get better.

[Lyralyra in reply to Olliemaya]

Thank you. I’m grateful to you and everyone who has replied. It helps to know that others have had the throat and cough problem when taking oral bisphosphonates. I am hoping for an alternative when I see a consultant on Friday.

[superbones]

I got the worst ever headache which then turned to sinusitis from Risedronate and had to go onto antibiotics. When I posted this on here there were a number of others who had had the same. But of course all the docs said never heard of that and I don't think so! I am about to have my second infusion as I could not tolerate the tablets. Listen to your gut feeling . Would recommend the infusion - Zoledronic Acid. Good luck...

[ROSModerator Partner]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to drop in to share this quick video for anyone coming across the thread who'd like more information about PPIs as it's come up as a topic here.

Why are Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) a risk factor for osteoporosis?

youtu.be/9quH4Z7bw_I(Not working as expected?)

Hope this feels helpful

Take care,

Lulu

ROS Moderator

[Mavary]

Hi. I was wondering if you have some reflux. I would pop along to your Dr and they can probably prescribe something.

[Lyralyra in reply to Mavary]

Thank you. Yes I am going to talk to my doctor.

[TandemTime]

I would be interested to know if your cough goes when you lie down ? If so it could be a nasal drip cough, in which case your Dr can perscribe a nasal spray and antihistamine may help...a very exhausting and irritating cough.

[Lyralyra in reply to TandemTime]

No I’m afraid it’s always worse when I lie down.

[O2Trees in reply to Lyralyra]

Do you sleep on your left hand side Lyralyra? The entrance to the stomach from the oesophagus is slightly down on the right hand side so sleeping on your left means that gravity helps keep the acid in the stomach as the right hand side is higher up.

I had Barretts Oesophagus for years (pre-cancerous cells at base of the oesophagus due to acid exposure) and after an endoscopy last year was told that the Barretts had gone and I could change from PPIs to the less strong Famotidine.

[Lyralyra in reply to O2Trees]

Thank you for your advice. Good to hear you no longer have Barretts. I don’t have the choice of lying on my side, always on my back with legs over a pillow to avoid lower leg cramps.

[TandemTime]

Well that rules that out !