Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive condition which involves the regurgitation of stomach contents into the throat and mouth through the food pipe. On the other hand, asthma is a respiratory disease characterised by difficulty breathing due to the narrowing of airways. However, both GERD and asthma trigger cough in patients. Sometimes, GERD can produce asthma-like symptoms in people who never had asthma.
Research shows that about 25% to 80% of people with asthma also have GERD. The relationship between GERD and asthma is believed to be two-way, where GERD can trigger asthma flare-ups and vice-versa. Although the exact relationship between these conditions is not clear, scientists believe it could be because of the following reasons:
- GERD can cause aspiration of stomach contents into the airways leading to irritation in the throat, airways, the lungs. It can lead to persistent cough and breathing issues.
- Severe regurgitation or acid reflux can trigger nerve reflexes which can tighten the airways to prevent stomach acid aspiration into the lungs. These protective reflexes cause bronchospasm leading to difficulty breathing.
- Frequent aspiration of stomach acids can also make airway linings sensitive to other irritants like pollen and dust that trigger asthma.
- An asthma attack can also trigger GERD or acid reflux. During an asthma attack, the increased pressure in the chest cavity and the abdomen can cause muscles that prevent acid reflux to relax, allowing the acid backflow from the stomach into the food pipe.
- Additionally, some medications like prednisone or albuterol used for managing asthma can trigger GERD.
How to know if your asthma symptoms are due to GERD?
Some people with GERD do not suffer from heartburn, the hallmark sign of acid reflux. Instead, they may experience a dry cough, especially at night, and difficulty swallowing, which signals asthma. The following signs can help determine if your asthma is due to GERD:
- Your asthma started in adulthood
- Your asthma symptoms exacerbate or worsen after an exercise session or a large meal
- Your symptoms begin while consuming alcohol
- Your symptoms occur at night or while lying down on the bed
- Your asthma treatment is not effective
How to break the cycle of GERD worsening asthma and asthma worsening GERD?
Treating GERD or acid reflux symptoms may help people suffering from GERD and asthma. A doctor may recommend proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or esomeprazole for a month or two to control stomach acid secretion. Controlling GERD symptoms in such people may also reduce asthma symptoms and the need for asthma medications. People not benefitting from GERD medications may be referred to a gastroenterologist, for further treatment, including surgery.
Following some dietary restrictions and lifestyle changes, including avoiding foods and drinks triggering acid reflux, eating small meals, avoiding alcohol and smoking, losing weight, using pillows to raise the head, and loose clothing can also help control GERD symptoms and asthmatic symptoms from GERD.
Takeaway points
There is a two-way relationship between GERD and asthma, where they worsen each other. A majority of patients with asthma also experience GERD symptoms. Controlling and managing GERD symptoms can help control asthmatic symptoms.
If you are experiencing acid reflux and asthma symptoms, contact a gastro doctor near you to treat your digestive symptoms. If you are looking for top gastroenterologists or the best gastroenterologist in Bangalore, visit Bangalore Gastro Centre Hospitals in HSR Layout to get the best gastro treatment. The hospital is also the best gastro centre hospital to get an oesophageal manometry test in Bangalore to determine the underlying reasons for your acid reflux symptoms.
