Reflux (GERD) and Asthma

[Carakraft]

Does anyone have asthma and reflux? I am not currently taking any over the counter medications and was hoping to see what others are taking that helps with their reflux symptoms😊

[starveycat]

My doc prescribed omeprazole I take first thing in the morning and gaviscon advance last thing at night to try to protect my vocal chords . I have also altered my diet too help good luck

[Carakraft in reply to starveycat]

Thanks for sharing this! What has made the biggest impact from changing your diet?

[starveycat in reply to Carakraft]

I feel better. Now eat gluten free bread so no horrible stomach ache. No acidic food so no sore throat or acidic tummy feeling. No lactose so no cloggy feeling throat. I am a vegetarian so t take vitamins daily.

I am 78 years old and am a full time carer for my hubby I also like to do my own cleaning washing etc. I have other health problems so need to keep as fit a possible. Good luck hope you find out what foods suit you

[asthmaK]

I have had acid reflux really bad for about a year now with significant amounts of mucous running down my throat. I suspect it is made worse by the Spiriva I take (3% of people get this side effect).

I sleep sitting up on the couch for half the night, the other half I sleep on a wedge pillow. I follow an acid reducing diet mostly (there is stuff on the list I am sensitive to). I stop eating 3+ hours before going to bed. I can't have more than one cup of coffee a day (usually none after 12 noon). My doctor told me to try Prilosec and Zantac but it hasn't helped. A friend suggested digestive enzymes and kombucha, which I plan to try next (one at a time, that is).

Unfortunately everyone's body responds differently, so it's a trial and error approach to find something that works.

[Carakraft in reply to asthmaK]

Someone talked to me about digestive enzymes...curious to find out more about it.

[asthmaK in reply to Carakraft]

I take a digestive enzyme called Ox Bile because I don't have a gallbladder. I just started with Aloe Vera Juice 30 min before each meal. My chiropractor said that if I work to heal my gut I can reduce my allergies/asthma and inflammation.

[wiserlady in reply to asthmaK]

I went to an acpuncturist who helped to heal my gut, it helps with depression, anxiety, memory, concentration, allergies and much more.

[krylan in reply to asthmaK]

Digestive enzymes are great to use as well as probiotics. Try Aloe Vera juice and look for ways to heal your gut! Good luck!

[Carakraft]

All great suggestions!

[pmh18623]

I have taken medications for GERD since the mid 80's. Currently on prescription lansoprazole (Prevacid) 50 mg 2 x a day. It has been impossible for me to stay off of medication even with diet alterations, though I do follow my gastro's advice to use Manuka honey, DGL licorice, and fermented foods as an adjunct to help control things. Manuka honey licked from the spoon is wonderful for nausea!!

[Carakraft in reply to pmh18623]

Good to know about the honey!

Thanks for sharing 😊

[Tree20862]

My GERD was worse while on oral steroids. I was on Prevacid 2 times daily and then my doctor added ranitidine. WONDER DRUG! Now that I have gotten rid of 50 lbs of weight and am not on oral steroids very often, I am weaning off prevacid. I still take the ranitidine-it really makes a huge difference!

[Purple74bhy-mj in reply to Tree20862]

Feel the "NEED" to reply since I'm concerned. Just heard on the news tonight that a study has shown "Ranitidine" has something in it that (can) cause cancer. Plus I'd received from government recalls I get -- about a recall on it.

[Tree20862 in reply to Purple74bhy-mj]

I will look into that.

[Purple74bhy-mj in reply to Tree20862]

Just a note(IF you're interested). I'd been dealing with bad heartburn for decades. Was on Nexium until I had several bouts of pneumonia caused by it. I now take natural stuff. I'll give you the info. --if you'd like. Rarely have heartburn now.

[Tree20862 in reply to Purple74bhy-mj]

Natural? Cool! Yes, I'm interested!

[Purple74bhy-mj in reply to Tree20862]

So sorry for delay. Life issues. Anyway going with natural stuff usually costs more. No insurance coverage. And I realize everyone is different. I have went with natural stuff because I've had major reactions from meds. Also Family members almost dying from prescriptions. So here is my formula thru trial and error. Worked on this for 3yrs. Started with "healing the stomach lining". Used product- PepZinGi(Manufacturer-Doctors Best). If taking this long term you SHOULD take copper if not enough in a multiple. Since zinc depletes it. I did this for 4 months. NOW I take a very good probiotic(Davinci Labs- Mega Probiotic ND). Also this specific enzyme mix--OrganiZymes. Website-- Organixx.com

Plus a teaspoon of either Manuka or raw local honey. I first tried the Manuka. It's too strong for me. Anyway needless to say the diet is "HUGE". I really limit carb's/sugar. But even still I have 2 cups of coffee a day. The times I do eat either Carb's or sugar. Then I take this product for the "breakout" heartburn. The product is --- Reflux Relief. Manufacturer is-- gaia. This is the heartburn protocol I have had success with. I'm also taking a supplement for my asthma that even my Dr. asked what I was using. Said it definitely made a big difference on my asthma. Still did have occasional times with triggers. Added one more supplement. Feeling pretty good now. Let me know (if) you'd be interested in THAT info. Anyway good luck in your addressing/researching in the heartburn issue. I sure know HOW miserable it is.

[krylan in reply to Purple74bhy-mj]

Great info and I love Gaia products! But what are you taking for your asthma??? Thx

[Purple74bhy-mj in reply to Tree20862]

Forgot-- With the honey. THAT is "before" going to bed.

[Tree20862 in reply to Purple74bhy-mj]

I forgot to ask.... UK, US, other?

[Purple74bhy-mj in reply to Tree20862]

U.S. How about you?

[Tree20862 in reply to Purple74bhy-mj]

US.

[wiserlady in reply to Purple74bhy-mj]

I would appreciate knowing what you have tried and what works for you, we can swap notes maybe.

[Maxineto in reply to Tree20862]

ranitidine? Is this really Zantac which they are now saying is a cancer causing drug? I only take a Zantac if the pain is too bad, but do take one Omprazole each morning and am careful to not eat foods that will hurt me. The main things is to be careful what you eat and don't lie down after eating.

[Tree20862 in reply to Maxineto]

Ranitidine and Zantac were taken off the market. I'm back on Prevacid.

[Minushabens Asthma Captain]

I've developed problems with reflux fairly recently & had a couple of choking 'near misses'. My doctor referred me to the ENT specialist who basically said it's just a consequence of your lung problems (he put cameras in & I had x-rays done but they showed no real problems).

I use Gaviscon (a UK, over-the-counter heartburn remedy) & have been wondering about omeprazole (the OTC strength dose is about half of the prescription dose). Some days it's fine but other days truly awful.

[PamLikesXolair2]

I have asthma, also exercise-induced asthma, psoriasis, non-acid reflux which used to be acid reflux, & have been taking allergy shots that I swear by as very necessary for almost 30 years. I am almost 60 yrs old. My past Allergy & Asthma specialist explained years ago that asthma, allergies, & GERD (acid reflux) frequently go hand in hand. I now have non-acid reflux after pH testing of having a pH probed surgically inserted in my throat. I had to log every burp, med, meal, etc. & wear a monitor for about 2 days. Results: my acid reflux is being controlled by my Prevacid & Zantac. However, my reflux still would occur but pH was not acidic. Gastroenterologist determined a hernia was keeping my flap from esophagus to stomach was staying open. TIFF surgery helped this, but being overweight continued to cause symptoms to stay so I still am on Prevacid in am & Zantac each night. I have taken Allergy Shots for almost 30 years. If I am 1 week late from missing my monthly shots, I know it b/c I start having increasef allergy sinus symptoms. I have had my formula changed at least 4 times over the years after being retested. The 1st time I was allergic to about 32 out 36 allergens found everywhere. The 2nd time, about 10 yes later, I was allergic to only about 6 things. About 6 years later, I was retested & was allergic to about 30 things & my degree of being allergic to most of the same things as my 1st testing showed even being more allergic to those things at a much worse level. The shots worked, & most original allergies went away, but years later came back worse than they used to be. Been tested 2 times since & given new formulas after each testing. I tell everyone that I am a life-er when it comes to Allergy Shots. I believe my Post Nasal Drip is a root of my all my problems. I have had nasal surgery about 10 yrs ago & it helped, but may have it done again. New ENT said my cilia in higher Sinuses don't work well either so I do Nasal Bulb syringe rinses 1-2 times daily. Since my sinuses are always reacting to my allergies, I rarely realize I am getting a sinus infection until it is too late & since my low immunity & allergies to most antibiotics makes it difficult to get rid of a Sinus Infection, the problem frequently ends in asthma kicking in. Since I started Xolair, I have much fewer wheezing or coughing asthma symptoms & my immunity blood numbers have improved in the last 1 1/2 year since I have been on Xolair every 1 month. My insurance used to pay the full amount b/c a doctor was administering it when I had Humana. This year, I am in Aetna & they pay all but $125 dollars. I got a assistance card from the manufacturer & I now only pay $5 per month. Now about psoriasis. Until those recent commercials on TV with Cindi Lauper with her pink hair, most people were clueless about it. My own sister recently saw my elbows & thought it was contagious. It can be painful, but mostly just plain ugly looking. It used to be only in my left elbow. Then years later, my left elbow became worse & then it appeared small on my right elbow like it used to look on my left elbow. Tiny patches are now also on an ankle & tiny spots on a leg. Annoying & hard to control how unsightly it can be. But my allergies & asthma are my bigger concerns & thankfully with Cindi Lauper on TV, probably more people are freaked out by it. It is not a high priority for me. I have too many other medical problems to have time to put a lot of focus on it.I found a medicated cream on Amazon from Japan called Aloins Eaude Cream S that makes the skin stay soft so you can scrape off the extra layers of skin in a few days without causing sores & makes it less visible.

[wiserlady in reply to PamLikesXolair2]

post natal drip is often caused by something like gerd and a symptom not a cause.

[Hidden]

Have GERD, it caused Asthma and major Stomach and Esophagus problems. They finally gave me Omeprizole that I was on for several years. Which is not the manufacturers and the FDAs recommended use. I developed "Rebound" this time last year from taking the Omep for too long that caused me to have near-death closure of my throat and lungs that took me from almost recovered from severe Asthma to minor, over twenty years of medical mishaps and my own rehab that brought me back, to being hospitalized and now I'm on my 11th set of Pulmonary Doctors. They found Eosinophilic Asthma, which can be from all the drugs that I had been given over the years to treat symptoms and not the cause (The #1 Medical Scam) and the missed GERD and Rebound, that set #10 totally missed even though I told many times, this time last year. I have also read that GERD can cause Eosinophilic Esphagitis.

I am now in the process of getting Nucala for the eAsthma, it's been a bit of a nightmare, to battle the Eosinophilic Asthma and hopefully several other things that are related.

Also now Ranitidine/Zantac which is the cure for "Omep Rebound", it worked for me within 15 minutes, is now being pulled from everywhere since it has been deemed a possible carcinogenic. I was told by my Pharmacist that Pepsid is the replacement for both. DO NOT TAKE Omeprizole for longer than the manufacturers and FDAs recommendations. Which is more than for OTC PPIs are only intended for a 14 day course of treatment and can be used up to 3 times per year. Do not misuse, abuse, or take these medications for longer than stipulated on the label.

Get the GERD under control or you will regret it!! I know that for a fact and it cost me twenty years of my life and hundreds of thousands of dollars!

[mseisen]

My GP gave me omeprazole, which worked great, but severely damaged my kidneys. Like I needed something else to deal with. I went to a kidney dr. and he said to stop and take famotidine which I believe is Pepcid. But I get the Kirkland brand at Costco. I take it in the morning and before bed and it works fine for me.

[Hidden]

GERD and severe Acid Reflux, and I mean everything slams shut and and I had to teach myself how to stay calm and try to take in enough air not to pass out, but also stretch things out and wait out the attack. Then a couple of days later another . . . The worst was after I told my Drs (Set Number 10) that I was having severe reflux even though I was on Omeprazole. Come to find out that you are not suppose to take it for more than 4 weeks 3 times a year or no more than 20mg per day for a year. I was ion it for years. Come to find out it will cause "Rebound" which is a "doubling" of acid production.

So right when I was on the mend and my Drs at the time were taking me off all the drugs. My personal rehab was going great, I had two of the worst Reflux attacks ever. I really thought that was it. The damage that was done who knows how long it's going to take to heal if at all.

A couple months later after continued failing overall health, I ended up in the hospital after Drs #10 seriously failed to acknowledge the symptoms and I had an another super attack. I said "Enough!!!" Luckily the Drs at the hospital I ended up in were great and I could see them outside the hospital. They actually listened to the same things that I told the previous batch and within weeks REALLY figured what I had, eAsthma, Esinophilic Asthma. It took them a little more time than they professed, but I am on Nucala now and it's a world of difference. We also moved from Ranitadine, Zantac, since its newly found it mutates a molecule into NDMA that is a carcinogen. I'm on Famotidine, Pepsid now.

Don't hang out and see "what happens" get help, look them in the eye and tell them what's wrong. You have to treat Doctors like your Mechanic. You take your car to get fixed and they don't listen or fix it, move on to someone else. No more "they are the end all, be all!!!"

After 20 years of Collegiate Hospitals and B.S. Doctors my life is a mess. My only hope is to sue Drs #1, 8, 9 & 10, all at monstrous healthcare facility, for malpractice. They were keeping me sick and sucking up my insurance. That's what they do. My new guys are really new. They don't know the terms that the "old guard" made their livings off of. And agree with me on the "Mechanic" bit . . .

Good Luck and stand your ground!!!

[Purple74bhy-mj]

The supplements I take for asthma is-- holy basil(Gaia brand). Wobenzym PS. This last one was the initial one prescribed to me by Naturepath. I'm overweight so I take 5 tabs. 3x a day on empty stomach. That last is critical. Anyway it's the "wobenzym PS" that my Dr had stated it really HAS made a difference. I'd slid backwards on my inflammation diet. And therefore had to add the "holy basil". With the diet and wobenzym I was feeling wonderful. But severe life events caused me to backtrack on diet. Since my asthma is allergy related. I can get an attack from different perfumes,colognes, etc. In that case I use my rescue inhaler and homeopathic- Apis Mell and histaminum hydrochloricum. The prescribed meds I'm on are-Flovent and Singulair. Hope I gave you the answer you were looking for and its not confusing!!

[Maxineto]

My doctor put my on Omprazol which I buy OTC and take one each morning for five years. No doctor ever told me to stop taking it. Now I don't know what to do. I can stop taking it each morning and see what happens, but who knows what will happen!!

[RALLENCUMMINGHA in reply to Maxineto]

Pantoprazol otherwise known as protonix