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GERD and Asthma: Is There A Relationship?
It has long been suspected that there is a relationship between GERD and asthma. Many people who have asthma also suffer from chronic heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).![]()
Asthma is a chronic and non-curable disease involving the respiratory system in which the airways constrict and become inflamed. GERD, which is more popularly known as acid reflux, is characterized by experiencing heartburn more than twice each week. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. The sensation is caused by the stomach acids seeping backward which burns the walls of the esophagus. What most doctors have believed is that acid reflux worsens asthma.
When acid reflux remains untreated, the disease simply gets worse. The stomach acids continue to travel backward through the esophagus until they reach the mouth. But before reaching the mouth, the lungs will be affected first.
Does GERD Cause Asthma, Or Does Asthma Cause GERD?
Doctors have tended to think that asthmatic people happen to get GERD more often. But a recent 2008 study now appears to show the opposite - that having GERD actually increases one's risk of having asthma. Repeatedly inhaling small amounts of stomach acid into the esophagus and lungs (which happens frequently with GERD) seems to slowly produce changes in the immune system that may lead to the development of asthma.
This does not mean that if you have GERD or heartburn, you will automatically get asthma. But if you do have acid reflux disease, you may be at greater risk than others to develop asthma. This implies that controlling and treating GERD may be key to slowing the rising rates of asthma in America and worldwide.
So if you are diagnosed with asthma, and you think that you also have acid reflux, you need to consult a good doctor. They will help you a lot in addressing your asthmatic problems, as well as your acid reflux. Never take medications without consulting your doctor. If you have GERD, get treatment and follow these tips to minimize your risk of reflux and, in turn, asthma:
Eat smaller meals (instead of 3 full meals, eat 4 - 6 light meals)
Eat several hours before going to bed
Raise the head of the bed a few inches, or use reflux pillows when sleeping.
Maintain a healthy weight
Limit fatty foods, coffee, tea, caffeine, and alcohol because they can increase the production of stomach acids making reflux more likely and/or irritate the esophagus which is already inflamed by those acids.
The doctor can give you medicines like corticosteroid inhalers to treat your asthma. Other drugs also help asthma, but again remember to consult your doctor first.
Asthma can change in severity during a person's lifetime. Some children outgrow asthma, but it can reoccur. Adults suffering from asthma sometimes are never relieved from it even if they use medication. The aim is to minimize airway inflammation and recognize what triggers the reaction.
If you have acid reflux disease and asthma, the most important thing to do is to get proper treatment. Don’t wait until the situation gets even worse. Be aware of the relationship between GERD and asthma and get help now.
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