Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 12/4/2008

Question
I was hoarse and my doctor diagnosed acid reflux which had scarred my esophagus.  I told him I really didn't know that was happening as I very rarely had heartburn.  He said that was common.  He put me on Prevacid.  After 3 weeks on Prevacid, I was having trouble breathing, terrible nightmares, and I even got a urinary tract infection (which I have never had in my life).  I stopped taking the Prevacid.  I have been off it now for about 2 weeks.  However, now I am starting to have horrible heartburn, bloating, and belching that I never had before taking the Prevacid.  Could the Prevacid have done some kind of permanent damage and be causing this?

Answer
No Karen I cannot see it producing any permanent damage.

Dear Karen

It certainly sounds like except the UTI (though this is theoretically possibly related) could have been due to the Prevacid and I would avoid it in future as they could occur again. The breathing problems could happen again and it would be best to stay clear of all drugs in this class ie PPIs./ I would suggest to see you prescriber and be considered for a change in drug to help your GI problems, probably a drug like ranitidine (Zantac). However, a proper diagnosis as to the cause should be investigated.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith