Can Losartan cause asthma?

Question

I am a 59 year old woman. I was prescribed Losartan for my high blood pressure in March, 2012 (when I was 57 years old). Last year, in May, 2013, I was diagnosed as an asthmatic because of a persistent cough. My cough never left me in spite of taking Monetelukast (with Cetirizine) everyday since my diagnosis. My cough is sometimes dry. But when it is wet, I have a runny nose and sputum in my throat. I also use a nebulizer. But it sometimes does not provide any relief. I'm beginning to suspect that I may have been misdiagnosed because no one else in my family has asthma (although almost everyone of us have a 'high blood pressure problem.')

I want to change my doctor because she doesn't seem to take my cough seriously. Is my cough something that should be taken seriously? I also can no longer walk to Church or even to the corner store because I run out of breath and also experience swelling in my ankles, knees and fingers.

Thank you.

This discussion is related to Asthma and Beta Blockers.

zachdaddy · Answer

I think you're wrong - I never has asthma in my life, I don't smoke and I'm not overweight.  I started taking Losartan and within 2 months I had exercised-induced asthma..  do a web search..  I found other people in the same situation who developed the exact same symptoms when they started taking Losartan.

caregiver222 · Answer

Generally Lisinopril is the drug that causes a cough. Losartan does not usually cause problems. Lisinopril sometimes agravates asthma because it seems to cause relaxation of the esophageal musculature, causing acid to flow upwards at night when you lie down, that in turn, migrates to the trachea. You should report the side effect on the FDA site.

mj232 · Answer

I've had similar symptoms that look like asthma but was actually something called vocal cord dysfunction - you can look it up and see if you have those symptoms you may want to see a ENT doc. My asthma/allergist said it usually takes her 6 mos to a year to rule out other issues before referring a patient to an ENT. I had seen a doc for GERD and was told I was fine, however the ENT doc said that GERD symptoms look fine in the esophagus but are harmful in the throat. You have an additional problem if you also have true asthma which a pulmonologist can medically induce you to a "controlled" asthma attack. I've had all those tests and now challenged with b/p and cholesterol meds that may be creating asthma problems. If I were you I would find a better allergy/asthma doc, I went through several in ten years until I found this one which finally find the root to my constant coughing.

New2Asthma · Answer

Thank you. 

I am seeing my doctor on Wednesday. If I cannot persuade her to put me on a different medication, I will look for a new doctor who will.

I have stopped taking all my medicines for a week now (not recommended.) But I am quite desperate. While I am still coughing and my nose still runs and my feet and fingers are still swollen, I see small signs of improvement (very small signs --- like I was able to go to Mass. I sat through most of it, but I was able to attend.) So I feel quite encouraged and optimistic that I may have discovered the cause of my misery for the last 10 months.

Thank you.

wilsonmadison · Answer

Losartan blood pressure supplements comtains ingredients of losartan potassium. It commonly includes side effects like high blood ressure. dizziness, breathing difficulty, asthama. Try to consult other doctor if possible.

New2Asthma · Answer

Thank you. 

I decided to try another doctor in the hope he will give me a new prescription.

You seem very knowledgeable. Is it possible my persistent cough and swelling has nothing to do with asthma? Was I misdiagnosed?

I would like to be able to take my walks again around the neighborhood and to Church without completely running out of breath.

Again, thank you.

Caryopteris · Answer

Losartan is not a beta blocker.  Instead it is an ARB.  By blocking the action of angiotensin, losartan relaxes muscle cells and dilates blood vessels, reducing blood pressure.  It can cause nasal congestion and persistent cough,

Since you have both the cough and leg swelling, you should ask to try another bp medication.  There are other types.  If he won't change from Lorsartan, at least ask if you can have the kind with hydrochlorothiazide, as it is a water pill and will get rid of the swelling.