Asthma and acid reflux? - Asthma Message Board

tigger67 · 06-18-2009, 04:27 AM

It seems that some of my asthma problems may be caused by acid reflux, but I can't take acid blockers because they block the absorption of calcium and I have osteoporosis. Also, I recently tried Nexium and had awful side effects and it didn't even help consistently throughout the day. Are there any natural remedies or any suggestions?

gcsjr · 06-18-2009, 05:29 AM

Acid reflux is a very common trigger of asthma symptoms. Unfortunately, there are lots of claims about natural cures but nothing that really seems to work.

If Nexium didn't work for you there are a number of other PPIs that you can try - many people find one that works better for them than others, and typically a simple calcium supplement will help offset the slight decrease in calcium absorption that PPIs may cause.

Because of your osteoporosis you should definitely work with your doctor to find the right reflux medication but it shouldn't keep you from taking a PPI or other type of acid blocker.

tigger67 · 06-18-2009, 11:38 AM

I just don't want to become dependent on them every day. I already take calcium, foxamax and extra Vitamin D, and even with all that, my bone scans have only improved slightly, so I don't want to risk more bone loss.

gcsjr · 06-18-2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

I just don't want to become dependent on them every day.

They will only work if you take them every day so, if you're not going to take them daily you probably shouldn't bother. You would be better off using something like Tums, but it's nowhere near as effective.

PPIs typically take at least 2-3 months (taken daily) to start to have positive results.