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Asthma/Sour Taste

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Expert: - 12/8/2008


Question
My mother has been using an inhaler for about 1 year now, but in the past couple of months has developed a sour/bitter taste in her mouth which can sometimes last all day.  She has come off her inhaler for 2 days to see if it could be a side effect off that - the taste is still there but not as strong.  She sometimes has to chew gum as the sour taste is sometimes really bad - could this be related to the inhaler?  She has been taking lanzoprazole  for a few months due to issues with her stomach producing too much acid.  We have tried everything including the doctors - do you have any advice please?

Answer
Hi Kev,

It sounds as if the physicians feel that she has acid reflux: where the acid backs up into the throat. The Lansoprazole works best when taken in the morning, 1/2 hour before breakfast. Unfortunately, it is less effective overnight. What I guide my patients to do is to add a dose of Pepcid (Famotidine), which can be purchased over-the-counter at the drug store.It would be best take one hour before bedtime. Just have the pharmacist check to see if there is any interference with other meds your mom may be on.

In addition, there are two causes of acid reflux that are due to eating habits: drinking caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, cola drinks), and eating lots of chocolates. Both products can bring on the acid discomfort.

Hope this helps you.

have a happy and healthy holiday season!

Sincerely,

Marc

Asthma

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Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator

Expertise

I have worked directly with patients as well as caregivers for over 30 years. Have made presentations throughout Illinois educating school nurses as well as the teaching and coaching staff of public schools about asthma, and how they should respond to these students needs. Presented a public education program on asthma through the US Department of Public Health. Specialize in helping guide asthmatic patients to take control of their disease in order to live a near-normal, fully active life.

Experience

Practicing pharmacist for 34 years, specializing in asthma for past 7 years. Statewide education to nurses, teachers and athletic coaches regarding asthma. In addition, and closer to home. my wife and daughter both have asthma, and my son has exercise induced bronchospasm. I'm also on the advisory board of a medical education company, Emmi Solutions, and directly involved in the creation of public education programs for asthma, COPD and diabetes.

Organizations
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) / Sports Medicine Committee, American Thoracic Society (ATS). Chicago Asthma Consortium / Professional Development Committee, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago: Development Committee for AE-C prep class, and presenter.

Publications
AAAAI PowerPoint on the new guidelines for EIB (Exercise Induced Bronchospasm)

Education/Credentials
BScPharm, RPh, AE-C (NAECB Certified asthma educator), NIPCO Certified Respiratory Care Pharmacist

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