Asthma and Beta Blockers

[mjt42]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with asthma and taking propranolol for portal vein hypertension. I have recently been having a lot of problems with my breathing, very out of breath and near constant chest infections. My new doctor has told me to come of propranolol due to it being detrimental to my breathing. I tried to tell her about my liver disease but I don't think she really understood. I am currently compensated as my last endoscopy but have been decompensated in the past (varises). I have read that the selective beta blockers may be useful but inferior to non selective.

I would be very grateful if any body could share there experience or point me in the right direction.

Many thanks in advance

[Yellowsydney]

Have you got a consultant for you liver if so contact them about stopping propanolol, your portal hypertension needs to be kept under control or you risk varicies and bleeds. You could always ring the British liver trust helpline to discuss with a liver nurse.Hope you feel better soon

Hilary

[mjt42 in reply to Yellowsydney]

Thank you Hilary, yes I agree I can't just stop and not replace it with another way to keep everything under control. Thank you for mentioning the nurses, I forgot that they offer that service, I shall try them a bit later.

Thanks again for your reply

[tracyliz]

Hi I don't have any experience with asthma but have been on propanolol for varices for 10 years after they burst. A locum doctoe reassed my prescription and told me to cut the propanolol dose in half as I shouldn't need it now. I did this and then had a routine endoscopy 6 months later and my varices had become a lot worse. My liver specialist said I should never have cut the dose down and told me to go straight back on my original prescription. We are all different but hopefully this is a help.😀