It is estimated that more than 75 percent of patients with
asthma also experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
People with asthma are twice as likely to have GERD as those people
who do not have asthma. Of those people with asthma, those who have
a severe, chronic form that is resistant to treatment are most
likely to also have GERD.
GERD is the backward flow of stomach acids into the esophagus.
When this acid enters the lower part of the esophagus, it can
produce a burning sensation, commonly referred to as heartburn. If
left untreated, GERD can eventually lead to lung damage, esophageal
ulcers, and in some instances Barrett's esophagus, a
condition that can eventually lead to esophageal cancer.
Does GERD cause asthma?
Although studies have shown a relationship between asthma and
GERD, the exact relationship is uncertain. GERD may worsen asthma
symptoms, however asthma and some asthma medications may worsen
GERD symptoms. On the other hand, treating GERD often helps to also
relieve asthma symptoms, further suggesting a relationship between
the two conditions.
Doctors most often look at GERD as the cause of asthma when:
- Asthma begins in adulthood
- Asthma symptoms get worse after a meal, after exercise, at
night or after lying down
- Asthma doesn't respond to the standard asthma
treatments.
How can GERD affect my asthma?
As previously mentioned, the exact link between the two
conditions is uncertain. However, there are a few possibilities as
to why GERD and asthma may coincide. One possibility is that the
acid flow causes injury to the lining of the throat, airways and
lungs, making inhalation difficult and often causing a persistent
cough.
Another possibility for patients with GERD is that when acid
enters the esophagus, a nerve reflex is triggered, causing the
airways to narrow in order to prevent the acid from entering. This
will cause a shortness of breath.
Aside from these possible relationships between asthma and GERD,
one study showed there was an increase in the rate of GERD in
patients with asthma who were treated with asthma medications known
as beta-adrenergic bronchodilators. However, further studies must
be done before the relationship between GERD and these drugs can be
fully understood.
What should I do if I have asthma and GERD?
If you
have both asthma and GERD, it is important that you consistently
take any asthma medications your doctor has prescribed to you, as
well as controlling your exposure to asthma triggers as much as
possible.