Many people suffer from asthma and acid reflux at the same time, with asthma attacks often coinciding with stomach upset. That being said, many people don't know why this relationship exists. It's important, however, to understand just what these two conditions are before we delve into why they occur together.
Asthma Definition
Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs and entire respiratory tract that causes irritation and sensitivity to certain triggers like smoke, dander, pollen and certain weather. When the lungs are exposed to these triggers, the tissues can swell and fill with mucus, making it very difficult to breathe.
Acid Reflux Definition
Acid reflux is a condition that allows stomach acid to move up into the esophagus and cause burning pain in the form of heartburn or indigestion. This happens when the esophagus relaxes and doesn't seal off the stomach properly. Symptoms are often worsened by lying flat, bending over or eating spicy or greasy foods.
Simultaneous Occurrence
Though asthma and acid reflux may seem unrelated, both conditions can occur simultaneously. In fact, up to 70 percent of people with asthma have acid reflux as well, which doctors at the Cleveland Clinic say is too high of a concurrence to ignore.
Asthma & Acid Reflux
While the exact reason for a connection between asthma and acid reflux is not known, there are a few thoughts on the subject. For instance, because pressure increases in the chest cavity in those with asthma, it may force stomach acid up into the esophagus. It seems this can work the opposite way as well. If you experience a bout of acid reflux, this might cause a worsening of your asthma symptoms.
Treatments
Treating asthma and acid reflux requires addressing both conditions separately. For instance, if you've been prescribed an inhaler for your asthma you should use it as your doctor described. However, there are a few things you can do to control your acid reflux upsets like sleeping with your head elevated, eating dinner several hours before sleeping and avoiding heavy meals. You can also maintain a healthy weight and wear looser clothing to avoid abdominal pressure. However, if lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications do not work, you may be prescribed a proton pump inhibitor to control your acid reflux.
