Over 60% of people with asthma also have acid reflux. Among the normal population? Only 10%. — Click to Tweet.
Recent studies show that acid reflux and asthma are linked in some puzzling ways.
GERD (acid reflux) can cause asthma symptoms to worsen, it appears. But strangely, the reverse is also true. Asthma and some asthma medications can worsen GERD symptoms.
The upside is that if GERD is effectively treated, it can help to relieve asthma symptoms. which further suggests a relationship between the two conditions.
What’s The Deal?
Why are asthma and GERD connected? There’s still some speculation here, but one explanation is that GERD can trigger a nerve reflex that causes the airways to narrow. The result is shortness of breath.
And how can asthma medications trigger GERD? Apparently those classified as bronchodilators also relax the lower esophageal sphincter. The LES holds the contents of the stomach in, keeping it from coming back up in the throat.
Another possible interaction is that with GERD, some of the excess acid that leaves the stomach might reach the lungs, creating asthma symptoms or making them worse.
What Should I Do?
If you have GERD or both asthma and GERD, it’s time to start aggressively treating your GERD. Take any medication your doctor has prescribed, and also consider doing anything you can to alleviate the symptoms.
Many home remedies and behavior changes can reduce or eliminate GERD:
— Stop eating snacks at least two hours before you sleep, and eat your last meal three hours before then.
— Give up smoking — it also relaxes the LES.
— Wear loose belts and clothing.
— Maintain a healthy weight. This reduces internal pressure on the stomach.
— Relatedly, eat smaller meals and more moderate portions of food.
— Limit consumption of chocolate, peppermint, coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, and alcohol.
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