Nexium/carafate affecting asthma?

Hi, i know this area is for GERD and reflux but I wasn't sure where else to post this and I know many of you take these same meds. I was put on Nexium and liquid carafate for an ulcer a week ago. I am now having problems with my asthma acting up almost continually. I stopped the Nexium two days ago but it still continues. Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks.

Hi MMM,
Thanks for responding. I don't suffer from GERD or reflux, I was tested for it and it came back negative. That's why I said I knew I should have posted on another page but wasn't sure where and since so many from this page take the same meds I took a chance that I might find help here.

I was on Zantac for 9 months or so and got no relief I also used PRilosec, same result. I did go back after you asked and tried the Nexium on its own. That is what is causing the asthma flare ups. Thank you for your help. I hadn't considered that it might be the coloring in it but after you mentioned it I started wondering. While in the hospital I had an allergic reaction to the iodine dye I was drinking before the CT scan. They said it almost never happens and I've never had a reaction to a medication before. I'm beginning to suspect there may be a correlation. Maybe I'm becoming more sensitive. Again I appreciate your thoughts. I'll have to discuss it with the doctor to see what she thinks. It's good to have this forum to bounce ideas around. Btw, I'm back on the Carafate and having no problems. Yea and thank goodness. :)

Hi Renee,

Sorry to hear your asthma is kicking up! As a fellow asthmatic, I know how hard that is. You said you were tested for GERD...what tests did you have, and what were the results?

I have always had the experience that when my stomach is bothering me, I get increased reflux, and my asthma kicks up. My GI doc did 24hr PH monitor on me and got a score/DeMeester score of 4, and he told me with certainty that my reflux was not causing my asthma to be worse.

That was certainly not my experience. My PCP and asthma docs were certain it was. I just give you that information because it is likely similar to your experience...the test score did not demonstrate what was really going on.

My asthma doc says that most GI docs have no idea how a very little amount of reflux can dramatically affect the lungs. Eventually, at the constant insistence of my PCP who was trying to keep me breathing, I had additional tests, and got a DeMeester score of just over 14. 14 is considered the top of the "normal" range.

After constant prodding from my PCP, the GI doc FINALLY sent me to a surgeon, and three weeks later I had the Nissen fundoplication surgery. After about 2-3 months, my lungs healed and I'm doing great. I'm 5 years post op, and while I do get allergic issues/sinus issues that can affect my lungs, it's NOTHING like it was prior to surgery.

I'm not saying you need surgery. I suffered with HORRIBLE out of control lung issues--using my nebulizer several times a day/taking high doses of steroid inhalers and sometimes Prednosone, for about 6 years. What you're experiencing is much less severe. Still, don't assume that if the GI doc assures you that you're not having reflux, it doesn't mean you're not having enough reflux to cause your increased asthma symptoms.

As MMM says, be sure to take your PPI consistently. For many years (probably 15 or so) the PPIs did the trick, and my lungs were basically fine, as long as I didn't take an antibiotic and get my stomach percolating acid, which always, always, always, caused my asthma to go off the charts. Once I was even hospitalized because of it.

I have a very sensitive stomach, and LOVE Carafate suspension. It has been a lifesaver...especially when I have a flare/gastritis, and before my surgery, it helped greatly with esophagitis pain. While anyone can be allergic to anything, I've never had a moment of trouble with it. I still keep it on hand at all times, because my stomach is reactive, and every so often it starts complaining. The Carafate really protects it and makes it feel better.

I don't know if this response helps at all, but if you have any questions, ask away!
Best wishes,
Denise

Hi Renee,

If you've found the answer to your asthma issues, great! There are lots of options out there, so hopefully you'll find a PPI that works for you, and doesn't cause problems.

I understand your frustration. My first GI doc was downright rude when I asked him for advice on a problem I was having (selecting an antibiotic that might not be as hard on the stomach), and finally I'd had enough, and fired him. I asked my PCP to recommend someone who would really listen, and hear what I was saying. He did, and my new GI doc was great. Unfortunately, I've since moved, and haven't found another one like him yet.

The barium swallow can show obvious reflux and the presence of a hiatal hernia, which is often a trigger for reflux. That said, you can reflux in a way that doesn't show up on a standard barium x-ray. They can do the test with other barium concoctions (with lighter-weight liquid and even carbonated swallows, etc.) that might give additional information.

It's a great, non-invasive test of swallowing abilities, can diagnose a hiatal hernia, as well as obvious reflux. Do you suspect reflux? It may have absolutely nothing to do with the problem you're describing, but it's extremely common for asthmatics to have reflux. Just an FYI, to be aware of.

Good luck getting things healed in your stomach. It takes a lot of patience, I know. I was never diagnose with an ulcer, but my reactive stomach caused tremendous pain, and the esophagitis caused by the reflux was even worse.

Hope you feel better very soon!
Best wishes,
Denise

Hi Renee,

It is possible that you don't have reflux. It's also possible that, like me, you have a small amount of reflux which your body reacts violently too. However, what they have seen is the ulcers, and it's unusual to have ulcers that aren't the result of helicobacter infection, except in people who are on heavy duty drugs like the cytotoxic ones... as far as I know at any rate.

Helicobacter can escape detection and the best test is biopsy during endoscopy e.g. You can have negative stool or breath tests and positive biopsy. I would ask what they believe the cause of your ulcers is and whether or not you would benefit from a more thorough screening.

Meanwhile keep going with whichever treatments make you feel better and of course acid suppression will help ulcers to heal - and there's always Zantac if the PPIs cause you too much trouble. Let us know how it goes!

MMM

That's great to hear Renee, well done! CarnoSooth sounds nice - I'll look into that one!

I'm currently doing "mindfulness" (guided meditation) which has been shown to help with pain (I have hypersensitive oesophagus) - seems good for redirecting the mind so you're not constantly checking your symptoms and pain levels!

A few new comers have been asking about natural remedies - you might like to post on one of those threads too.

MMM

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2995324

There are several and one in particular got flooded with a long list of impractical suggestions! Try this link to a more recent one.

MMM