Can Acid Reflux Trigger an Asthma Attack?
Yes, frequently occurring and chronic acid reflux can be a leading trigger of asthma attacks.
More Info: Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the throat and the stomach. When this happens, it causes the person to experience irritation and discomfort and has been known to cause the patient to have an asthma attack.
Relationship between Acid Reflux and Asthma
Studies have shown that acid reflux triggers a person to suffer an asthma attack for two different reasons. The first reason is that people who have acid reflux may unknowingly breathe in drops of acid. When this acid reaches the patient's lungs, it can irritate the pulmonary lining and cause the person to experience bronchial spasms. These spasms can then lead to a full blown asthma attack.
Secondly, repeated bouts of acid reflux can cause parts of the esophageal lining to be melted away by the stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus. When this lining is missing, important parts of the nerves that are connected to the lungs are exposed. When these exposed nerves are irritated by additional episodes of acid reflux, the patient's airways can become constricted, leading to an asthma attack.
More Likely in Adulthood
Those asthma patients whose symptoms become more pronounced at night, after eating, or after lying down for a long period of time can most likely assume that their symptoms are connected to acid reflux. Acid reflux is also suspected as being a contributing factor if the patient developed asthma after reaching adulthood.
Our Good Health"Asthma and Acid Reflux: A Sinister Marriage of Two Diseases "http://www.ourgoodhealth.org
madasafish"Asthma - the basics"http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk
LIVESTRONG.COM "Can Acid Reflux Cause Asthma? "http://www.livestrong.com
"Can Acid Reflux Trigger an Asthma Attack?." Sophisticated Edge. N.p., n.d. Web. . <http://www.sophisticatededge.com/can-acid-reflux-trigger-an-asthma-attack.html>.
"Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is frequent in people with asthma who have poor asthma control. GERD can occur without symptoms, and may be why many asthmatics cannot control their asthma despite being on a controller medication."
Source: Dr. Charles G. Irvin; The Study of Acid Reflux in Asthma (SARA)
Vermont Lung Center at the University of Vermont
Source: Study Says Stop Prescribing Heartburn Medication to Asthma Patients Without Acid Reflux
Northwestern University News Center
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