Can Acid Reflux Cause Asthma?
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Atlanta's Top Doctor Magazine
Identifying an appropriate asthma treatment starts by determining the cause of this chronic lung disease. And as many people with asthma already know, acid reflux is a persistent source of discomfort for many with this condition. But is acid reflux actually an asthma trigger, and what can you do about it? Let’s examine the link between the two conditions, and consider some effective asthma treatments for Atlanta patients.
How Common Is Acid Reflux and Asthma?
Acid reflux and asthma are among the top seven health problems impacting Americans, as per an USA Today article that was published in November, 2014. While approximately 20% of men and women have gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), over 25 million individuals suffer from asthma. Physicians and other healthcare professionals are also intrigued by recent research that links these two conditions intrinsically.
Mechanisms of GERD in Patients With Asthma
Although it may be early to blame spicy foods for your asthma symptoms, studies indicate that acid reflux may influence your breathing disorders through certain physiological mechanisms.
Pulmonary Resistance
The acid from your stomach may regurgitate into your esophagus and irritate the nerves in the area to cause a bronchospasm. This may impact your ability to breathe and worsen your asthma symptoms.
Micro Aspiration
Researchers also believe that the acid from your stomach can enter your lungs and constrict the bronchi resulting in breathing issues.
Some researchers consider the link between asthma and acid reflux to be a double-edged sword. GERD can worsen asthma. However, asthma medications can also lead to acid reflux. In many patients, it is almost like the chicken and the egg problem as physicians are unable to identify which one came first.
Diagnosing Asthma With GERD
If a doctor identifies the common signs of asthma along with GERD symptoms, they may recommend tests such as the following.
- Laryngoscopy
- 24-Hour pH Monitoring
- Impedance-pH Testing
These tests monitor the movement of stomach acid into the esophagus, along with other indicators that may signal an issue.
Treatments
Nonetheless, it is clear that physicians should follow a comprehensive approach that addresses both asthma and acid reflux simultaneously. This is especially recommended if your asthma started in adulthood, and if the symptoms worsen with exercise or while lying down. Patients experiencing poorly controlled asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness, chronic cough, or shortness of breath, should discuss the possibility of GERD with their doctors and undergo a therapeutic trial for a PPI inhibitor, if required.
You may also try some simple remedies at home. These may help improve your acid reflux and asthma symptoms without significant side effects.
- Eat small meals at regular intervals.
- Use pillows to elevate your head, especially if the symptoms worsen at night.
- Manage your weight. Overweight individuals suffer from excessive abdominal pressure that may force the acid to move back into the esophagus.
- Avoid foods, such as fried foods, alcohol, chocolate, caffeine and tomato sauce, that may worsen your GERD.
- Do not lie down for at least 3 hours after eating food.
- Quit smoking as tobacco and nicotine may damage the lower part of the esophagus that prevents acid reflux.
- Try over-the-counter medications to control your acid reflux.
If these techniques do not produce the desired results, talk to your doctor right away. Prompt treatment for acid reflux can help manage your asthma effectively and help you avoid the discomfort associated with both conditions.
What Are the Common Asthma Symptoms From Acid Reflux?
Anyone with acid reflux will be familiar with the persistent burning sensation in the chest, regurgitation of food or liquid, even difficulty swallowing. When these symptoms are joined by common asthma symptoms, there’s likely to be a link between them.
Asthma symptoms to be aware of include coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulties and chest tightness. In many cases symptoms become worse at night, when a person is lying flat.
Get Treatment for Acid Reflux and Asthma
Try some simple acid reflux and asthma remedies at home, but if those fail to bring you relief, then it’s time to talk to a doctor. Make an appointment at one of the Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center clinic locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call us at (678) 668–4688.