Reflux of gastric acids in the esophagus can be very annoying, especially since it is a chronic disease, and it can be more disturbing and cause anxiety if it is accompanied by shortness of breath. What is the relationship between GERD and shortness of breath How can this condition be treated? Follow us.

What is the relationship between GERD and asthma?

Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when stomach acids or fluids leak from the stomach and rise into the esophagus, and the people most at risk of this disease are asthma patients, as the esophageal sphincter can relax during an asthma attack, allowing stomach contents to flow up again, and asthma medications may lead to increased Reflux symptoms.

On the other hand, the opposite may happen, as GERD can be exacerbated Asthma symptoms Because it irritates the airways and may give a stronger allergic reaction.

GERD and shortness of breath

GERD can actually cause difficulty breathing and some other respiratory diseases, because the acid that rises into the esophagus can also leak into the lungs, especially during sleep, in addition to that it can lead to swelling of the airways, which shows allergic symptoms similar to an asthma attack such as difficulty breathing, coughing and wheezing. chest when breathing.

In fact, there are a lot of studies that have been done in this regard, but so far no direct relationship has been reached between asthma and GERD, as shortness of breath is not required during an attack of GERD, and researchers also found it difficult to know if respiratory symptoms and heartburn are caused by asthma or not. Reflux disease, both can cause symptoms of the other.

However, there is an established fact that more than 75% of people with asthma also suffer from GERD.

Other symptoms associated with GERD

Other symptoms of GERD besides shortness of breath include:

Complications of GERD and shortness of breath

When neglected in treating the esophagus or even in controlling it, it can not only cause shortness of breath and worsen asthma symptoms, as respiratory problems may develop into pneumonia.

Continuous acid build-up in the esophagus and mouth can also cause:

• Sore throat and voice changes.
• tooth decay.
• esophageal ulcer;
• Esophagitis.
• Narrowing of the esophagus due to the accumulation of scar tissue as a result of long-term infections, causing pain and swallowing difficulties.
• Having Barrett’s esophagus.
• Finally, the development of all this without treatment can lead to esophageal cancer.

Getting rid of GERD and shortness of breath

It does not matter if shortness of breath occurs as a result of gastroesophageal reflux caused by asthma or an exacerbation of asthma caused by reflux. The first key to getting rid of this condition and controlling it while coexisting with both diseases is to make lifestyle changes and switch to a more healthy lifestyle. It includes following several tips such as:

• Modifying the diet and reducing the amount of food in meals, while increasing the amount of small meals throughout the day, meaning eating frequent small meals without reaching a state of fullness.
• Avoid large meals or snacks before bed.
• Lose weight and try to reach the ideal weight.
• You should know which foods trigger your GERD attacks, and avoid them.
• Smoking and alcohol can increase the annoying symptoms of GERD, quit them today before tomorrow.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes or belts that compress the abdomen.

Treatment of esophageal reflux and shortness of breath during sleep

You can raise the top of the mattress on which you put your head by 10-20 cm, as this works to keep the contents of the stomach in place and prevent it from rising up, and thus the breathing process improves, but do not exaggerate in placing too many pillows so that your body position does not remain in a wrong position that causes you other problems.

Finally, life changes alone may not help in treating the problem of GERD and shortness of breath, but the doctor can follow up with you by taking some medications that improve reflux symptoms, but if you are an asthmatic patient and notice an increase in GERD symptoms, do not stop taking the medication on your own. But consult a doctor first.