Connect
Spiriva and digestive issues ?
Hi lovely people ,
I was curious if anyone using spiriva handihaler or Respimat has had any digestive issues while using ? Maybe it's just my usual diverticulosis and hiatal hernia troubles but they've been gone for so long and it seems to coincidental that when I started spiriva a month ago I've been having daily issues , reflux, sore stomach , bit of chest discomfort etc .
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Support Group.
Connect
I'd talk to your Dr. This may be the wrong medication for you. I'm sorry you're having so much trouble. COPD is bad enough - you don't need these other issues!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI agree with above post. There are other Rx in same category. My main side effect from Spiriva was VERY dry eyes and mouth. I’m now in Trelegy which doesn’t dry me as much and contains all 3 meds—Long acting muscarinic antagonist, long acting beta agonist and inhaled corticosteroid (LAMA, LABA, ICS). It works better for me than the 3 Rx taken separately & is easier to manage one vs 3 inhalers.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThanks , I'll ask her about it when I go see her in November. On i different topic , she has suggested i go for a colonoscopy one of these days , im afraid of the sedation. Is it safe with copd to go under general anesthesia ? It really worries me . Maybe I should start a different thread for this , just wondering what other people's experience with this is.
@hobbity do not be afraid of the sedation. I have COPD and Emphysema and needed a hip replacement. They took that into account while choosing and dispensing sedation - I did not feel a thing. The docs know what to do in our case, so go for it and good luck
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@hobbity I have the whole laundry list of respiratory issues, and my experience is not to worry - the anesthesia for a colonoscopy is the best part. It produces a nice, long nap.
The prep is unpleasant but certainly doable - and that's the worst part of the procedure.
Start Visbiome (my dietician's advice - the best probiotic out there) immediately after your procedure. Order it in advance. Look it up.
For those of us with disrupted bowel issues that come with long COVID, it's important to re-establish healthy gut fauna right away.
I have COPD as well. Due to my stomach problems, my PCP wanted to do a colonoscopy and throat scope. I contacted my pulmonologist to see if I can do this procedure without problems. She contacted the doctor and gave a few special instructions and she cleared me for the procedure. A few major procedures she would not clear me to get them done.
I have stomach issues like yours. Sour stomach, reflux and a few others. I do take a med to help with these.
Now this might sound funny but when I get the acid stomach I munch on salt free pretzels. The dryness of the pretzel soaks up the acid and I feel better. But you still need to see your doctor