Relationship of asthma and stomach acid & bull; hello healthy

Asthma sufferers are almost twice as likely to develop it Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) aka acid reflux disease compared to those who don't suffer from asthma. In fact, studies have shown that more than 75 percent of adults with asthma also have acid reflux.

Although the link between these two conditions is not completely clear, researchers believe that stomach acid that builds up into the esophagus damages the lining of the throat and respiratory tract to the lungs over time. This can cause difficulty breathing and a persistent cough.

Acid can trigger nerve reflexes, which causes constriction of the airways and prevents acid from entering the throat. It can also cause asthma symptoms. Whatever the reason, according to the Mayo Clinic, one thing is known for sure: stomach acid can make asthma symptoms worse and asthma can worsen acid reflux symptoms.

Gastric acid reflux symptoms

The predominant symptom of acid reflux in adults is frequent heartburn. However, in some adults and most children, stomach acid will occur without heartburn. Instead, symptoms can take the form of asthma symptoms such as a dry cough or chronic difficulty swallowing. Some clues that your asthma is related to acid reflux include:

asthma symptoms that begin in adulthood
Asthma symptoms that get worse after a large meal or exercise
asthma symptoms that occur when drinking alcoholic beverages
asthma symptoms that occur at night or when lying down
asthma medication is less effective than usual

It is difficult to identify the symptoms of acid reflux disease in children, especially if they are very young. Infants younger than one year of age will often experience symptoms of acid reflux - such as frequent spitting up or vomiting - in the absence of illness. However, in older toddlers and children, GERD can present with the following symptoms:

nausea
heartburn
repeated regurgitation
asthma symptoms, such as coughing, sore throat, and wheezing

Infants and children can:

become irritable
humpback
refuse to eat
bad growth

Treatment

Until recently, it was believed that controlling acid reflux with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Nexium and Prilosec would help relieve asthma symptoms as well. However, a 2009 study published in New England Journal of Medicine questioned the effectiveness of the drug in treating severe asthma attacks. Over the nearly six-month study period, there was no difference in the rate of severe attacks between people taking the drug and those taking the placebo. "This was unexpected," said Nicola Hanania, research collaborator at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Prior to this study, researchers estimated that between 15 and 65 percent of asthma patients used heartburn medication to control severe asthma attacks. Certain asthma medications - including theophylline (Theo-34 and Elixophyllin, among others) and beta-adrenergic bronchodilators - can worsen acid reflux. Consult your doctor before changing or deciding not to use your asthma medication.

Lifestyle changes

Due to the ineffectiveness of certain medications when treating acid reflux and asthma together, the best treatment may be to control acid reflux symptoms with lifestyle changes, such as:

losing excess weight
quit smoking
avoid foods that contribute to acid reflux, including alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, chocolate, citrus fruits, fried and fatty foods, garlic, mint like peppermint and spearmint, onions, spicy foods, and tomato-based foods like pizza, salsa, and spaghetti sauce
eat smaller meals more frequently
eat food at least three to four hours before bedtime
avoid snacking before bed
avoid asthma triggers as much as possible

Other steps that can help control stomach acid include:

lifting the head position on the bed six to eight inches by placing the block under the bedpost (extra pillows are not effective)
wearing loose clothing and a belt
using antacids

When other strategies and treatments don't work, surgery is usually an effective last resort in treating stomach acid.