1. Heartburn and Asthma
Research is clear--people who have asthma are 75% more likely to have heartburn. If you have asthma you are twice as likely to develop GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. If your asthma is resistant to treatment you are also are likely to develop GERD. So if you are an asthma sufferer it is wise to learn about heartburn, GERD and treatment options.
2. Does GERD Cause Asthma?
What came first, GERD or asthma? It depends really on when you develop asthma. If yours started as an adult, then doctors look at that as a sign your GERD is the cause of the asthma--or if your adult-onset asthma is resistant to treatment or it gets worse after a meal, when you lie down after a meal or after you exercise. Some asthma medications do make GERD worse, so simple occasional heartburn can develop into GERD. But your treatment of GERD can alleviate asthma symptoms. Obviously, the relationship is not clear but doctors do know there is a definite relationship.
3. How Can GERD Affect My Asthma?
If you have asthma doctors think acid from your stomach may damage your throat, airway linings and lungs. All these symptoms make breathing more difficult and cause persistent coughing and would explain the link. Your esophagus narrows automatically when acid from your stomach goes upward, this is another possible reason GERD worsens asthma symptoms. If you use a bronchodilator, it may cause problems too. Research links this medicine to the amount of GERD symptoms asthma patients experience.
4. What Should I Do If I Have Asthma and GERD?
The link between heartburn and asthma is clear, so what should you do about it? First, take your medications as they are prescribed and control your asthma triggers. If you lessen asthma symptoms, you will decrease GERD symptoms. Also follow general GERD precautions to lower asthma and GERD symptom occurrences. Follow a GERD diet by limiting caffeine, chocolate, peppermint and alcohol. Fatty foods could be a problem so limit them too. Also don't eat large meals or lie down after a meal. Try raising the head of your bed 6 inches. If you smoke, stop, it isn't good for asthma or GERD. Ask your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription medications for GERD symptoms. As a last resort, surgery is recommended for GERD.
