A Connection Between Asthma And Acid Reflux

Is there some correlation between asthma and acid reflux? Research has shown that acid stomach juice moving up the wrong way, back towards the mouth can worsen the symptoms of asthma.

It's almost a case of asthma sufferers losing out twice. Acid reflux on it's own can be a very painful experience. Asthma and acid reflux "playing on the same bill" would be great cause for alarm. Research on acid reflux and asthma has been going on for a long time. It was thought treatment for acid reflux would in fact improve asthma symptoms but results thus far have proved otherwise.

Asthma

Asthma is a disease that causes constriction in the lining of the bronchial tubes. When they constrict, it makes it difficult to do any physical activity, let alone breathe or even talk. Asthma is caused by a slough of triggers, and what causes attacks are different for every sufferer.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid is going the wrong way up, heading toward the mouth. This can cause a mild burning in the chest, sometimes known as heartburn. Acid reflux is usually treated with an antacid, but if you have severe acid reflux your doctor will usually prescribe a stronger medication to control it.

Combined Problem

Asthma and acid reflux has been found to bounce off of each other. One condition can cause the other, and vice versa. When you have an asthma attack, changes in pressure occur in your lungs, thus causing the acidic fluids from your stomach to redirect towards your lungs. When the acid gets into the lungs, it can cause constriction of the muscles, thus leading to an asthma attack as well as heartburn.

What Can Be Done

Because asthmatics are more likely to suffer from acid reflux, and asthma and acid reflux can be a double problem for them. Researchers have not yet found a treatment that will take care of the two problems, but they do suggest controlling your acid reflux so it doesn’t worsen your asthma. This can be done with medications, avoiding consumption of spicy foods, as well as trying to avoid stress.

With all the problems in your life, your breathing shouldn’t be one of them. It is hard enough to deal with stress in a healthy way, and with your body reacting negatively, you have to be certain to take care of both your asthma and acid reflux to make sure they don’t act on each other.

Asthma sufferers who are experiencing heavy symptoms, yet have no idea why, generally look towards some form of allergy antagonising the situation. That is normally the case but asthma and acid reflux could also be at play. Careful treatment of your reflux may be the best way to improve breathing. A visit to your physician for further advice is recommended.