$Unique_ID{BRK01882}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Asthma and Ulcer Medication}
$Subject{Asthma Ulcer ulcers Medication medications drug drugs prescription
prescriptions attack attacks lung lungs bronchi bronchiole bronchioles cause
causes caused causing muscle muscles bronchospasm bronchospasms inhale
inhaling breathe breathing air cigarette cigarettes smoke smoking irritant
irritants allergen allergens emotion emotions emotional stress stresses
respiratory infection infections viral virus viruses bacteria bacterial GER
gastroesophageal reflux esophagus stomach food foods diet diets therapy
therapies treatment treatments acid acids}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Alveoli*0005903.scf
Anatomy of the Bronchial Tree*0005902.scf
Anatomy of the Stomach-Esophagus*0008702.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Asthma and Ulcer Medication


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QUESTION:  I am a long time sufferer with asthma.  I have taken every
medication in the store at one time or another.  When I checked in with a new
doctor recently, after moving to Florida, I was surprised when he put me on a
medicine that my brother takes for his ulcer problem.  I didn't want to make a
bad impression on my first visit, so I didn't say anything.  Would you help by
telling me what is going on?  I would be very grateful.

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ANSWER:  You missed a golden opportunity to start a new and rewarding
relationship with your new doctor, by not asking a completely legitimate
question about a new medication.  Seeking information about a new treatment is
considered good behavior, and would not make a "bad impression".  But it does
offer me the opportunity to discuss an interesting situation.
     Asthma attacks are the result of a narrowing of the air passages of the
lungs (bronchi and bronchioles) caused (at least in part) by spasm in the
smooth muscles found in the walls of these vessels (bronchospasm).  There are
many known causes for these spasms in sensitive people.  They include inhaling
cold air, cigarette smoke, exposure to sprays containing irritants and
specific allergens, emotional stress, and respiratory infections, both viral
and bacterial.
     For many years physicians have suspected that when the acid content of
the stomach flows backward (or upward) into the esophagus, it acts as a
trigger mechanism that can also cause bronchospasm.  This condition is known
as GER (gastroesophageal reflux).  Some studies have shown that abnormal
reflux is present in more than 80 percent of patients with adult asthma.  When
the acid enters the esophagus, a reflex, perhaps carried over the vagal nerve,
triggers the spasm in the bronchiole muscles.
     Thus the medication your physician has prescribed.  It works to decrease
the amount of acid in your stomach, and thus reduce the possibility of setting
off the reflex.  You can help by removing acidic foods from your diet,
particularly the evening meal, quit smoking (if by some chance you still
smoke) and raise the head of your bed about 6 inches.  Although there is much
controversy about this relationship, let your results speak for themselves and
give the therapy a chance.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.