Inhalers and reflux

[Beans1980]

Has anyone thought that their inhalers cause or make reflux worse?

[DavidP]

They can do but it depends on the inhaler. The short-term relief inhalers such as ventolin contain a beta-stimulant to relax the airway muscles and open the airways up, the effect on the gut and sphincters is also to relax smooth muscle. So taking a beta-stimulant inhaler could relax the sphincter at the lower end of the oesophagus (if you still have one), allowing acid to travel upwards, contributing to reflux. However, because an inhaler is designed to deliver the drug directly to the lungs, exposure to the gut is much lower. As an aside, before my diagnosis I occasionally had asthma symptoms (reflux related on reflection) and taking a puff of the inhaler gave me a burning sensation a few minutes later in my oesophagus. Having thought about this, it might have been that I had an inflamed oesophagus and swallowing a small amount of the aerosol dissolved in saliva (I used to have profuse salivation just after a bad reflux episode) contributed to this (given the immediate cause and effect relationship). Although as I say inhalers are designed to deliver to the lungs, this is another potential way (other than limited systemic exposure following absorption into the blood) that the oesophagus could be exposed to the drug. Hope this helps.

[Karjade]

I believe there is a connection between inhalers and acid reflux. Since going on inhalers I have had acid reflux and last year I had an endoscopy and I was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia and Barrett's Oesophagus. There is a lot of people who have asthma and acid reflux.

[1394paulg in reply to Karjade]

Hi karjade

I have just joined this site after suffering from extreme reflux for months now after various visits to GP and endoscopic procedure and on Lansoprasole and awaiting (after staying firm) for a gastroenterologist appt in April. My asthma had been harendous lately and find my biggest breathing problem is green phlegm I am coughing up in small lumps! after coughing this up my breathing improves. Initially took anti biotics as thought it might be chest infection but to no avail . I believe it may be a protection issue of my lungs protecting themselves against the acid fumes getting into my lungs, but just my assumption at this stage.

[Karjade in reply to 1394paulg]

Acid reflux certainly mimics asthma symptoms. Before I was diagnosed I kept feeling breathless and I was taking the inhalers which did not help. I kept going back to the nurse and was put on steroids and antibiotics but at the end it was not my asthma but acid reflux. I feel I left it too long thinking it was asthma and now I have Barrett's. Insist on having an endoscopy because if I didn't I would not have known about the Barretts and hiatus hernia. I take Lanzaprazole and they work for me and I have to take them forever. Please let me know how you get on at the gastric clinic.

[1394paulg]

Thanks for the fast reply Karjade, I had the wonderful memorable procedure if endoscopy, and a biopsy, however they said everything was fine? After researching Lot of articles, I’m not sure what is causing the reflux but initially convinced it was my LES lower esophical sphincter muscle not closing sufficeintly, I also get really bad headaches, will let you know how I get on and wish you all the best and hope your not struggling.

[Beans1980]

Mine has really improved after cutting out milk and gluten. I had all the tests and nothing was found. Im sure mine was triggered by steroids and antibiotics which i took for nearly 3 months to shift bronchitis My theory is that they upset my digestive system.

[1394paulg in reply to Beans1980]

Yes I had steroids for a while, the doctor said they can aggravate the stomach. I’ve drastically changed my diet and I’ve also cut out Milk and bread, which seems to help a bit, but still have symptoms and breathing is still bad though, especially ially in the evening.