Good afternoon from France. I have a colostomy and ulcerative colitis. For some time, I've suffered a persistent cough that has been traced down to acid reflux, but we are struggling to control this.
An 'end-to-end' endoscopy (not a fun day out!) last autumn revealed no nasty stomach problems, but a weak 'non-return valve' allowing acid to track up and irritate, leading to mucus production and cough. The lower throat tissue appeared healthy but irritated. My excellent GP, working with the specialist, has changed me from omeprazole to pantoprazole (worse!) to esomeprazole (better!), accompanying this with Gaviscon liquid (yuck) and a cough suppressant, both to use as needed, aiming to break the cycle of tickling cough provoking reflux provoking more coughing. We are trying everything to settle it, but it feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. It isn't terrible, but it isn't great either, and I am fed up with disturbed nights. Having read about possible surgical interventions, we are not there yet—and I'd rather avoid this.
I have banished onions, eaten more slowly, not eaten or drunk after 6 pm, raised my head in bed, checked all my meds for possible side effects...
Asking Dr. Google whether there is any connection between UC (mine is slightly grumpy at the moment) and acid reflux, opinions seem about equally divided. I know I have to lose weight (overweight but not insanely), but that is a longer-term project. Anybody out there had similar problems, please? I'm very fed up with this and will welcome your thoughts and ideas. Thank you.
