GERD can be a direct trigger for these pulmonary (lung) disorders or can worsen them in people with an already existing breathing problem. This occurs due to acid from the stomach, making its way into the windpipe and/or breathing tubes of the lungs. There are treatments available for the acid reflux that can lead to these respiratory problems.
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a condition in which contents in the stomach, such as food, liquids and stomach-acid travel up into the esophagus causing a heartburn sensation. The esophagus is the tube that goes from the mouth down to the stomach and there is an upper valve that closes it off from the windpipe with swallowing (the sphincter) to prevent food from being inhaled.
What Causes GERD?
GERD can occur over time with consuming spicy and/or foods or with eating very large meals. It can be aggravated by eating too close to bedtime, in which the full stomach has not had time to fully digest its contents (indigestion). It can also manifest more severely with excess weight in the mid section, which adds pressure on the stomach, especially when laying flat on one’s back.
The typical symptoms of GERD may include the following.
- heart burn
- sour stomach
- bitter flavor in the mouth
- mild chest pain
- an urge to swallow often
- a sensation of food moving upward into the throat
How GERD Affects Breathing
While food may not make its way into the windpipe when acid reflux occurs, stomach acid may still irritate the upper portion of the esophagus and the opening of the windpipe. Over time, very small amounts of stomach acid will seep into the lungs, causing irritation of the breathing passages in the lungs (bronchial tubes). Some GERD sufferers can experience episodes of actually choking on stomach acid and/or food particles that make their way into the breathing tube.
Symptoms of a breathing problem can include the following.
- coughing
- wheezing
- popping or crackling sounds when breathing
- uncomfortable feeling in the chest (usually tightness)
- shortness of breath with mild exertion
Resulting Breathing Disorders
A common breathing problem that can result from GERD is bronchitis, which is a term simply meaning that the bronchial tubes have become irritated and inflamed which often causes them to become congested. Some cases of bronchitis first manifest with a dry cough (non-productive) and afterward, the lungs will begin to secrete mucous (phlegm) in an attempt to push out bacteria and inflammation. At this point, the cough becomes productive (or may start out productive). The phlegm will often remain as a clear-colored non-infectious type that clears-up over an approximate two week period.
In more severe cases of bronchitis, the phlegm may develop into a white, green or yellow color or have streaks of blood found in it, which can indicate developing pneumonia or chronic bronchitis (ongoing). These are more serious forms of infectious lung illness that can cause permanent lung damage and scarring and may contribute to COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). It can also become an emergency situation and can require hospitalization due to the extreme difficulty in breathing that can result.
Asthma is also a common finding in GERD patients and this condition simply indicates that the bronchial tubes in the lungs are constricting, causing difficulty with breathing. Cases of asthma can be mild, moderate or severe. This constriction within the lungs in cases of GERD is the body’s attempt to prevent more food particles or acid from entering into them. Sometimes bronchitis and asthma occur together, which is referred to as “bronchial asthma.”
Treatments for Acid Reflux
Research studies have shown that 75% of people with chronic cough from bronchitis and/or asthma will improve with treatment of co-morbid (co-occurring) GERD. Treatments may include over-the-counter antacids, prescription acid blocker medications (H2-blockers) and lifestyle changes.
Doctors will often recommend that patients lose excess weight and eat lighter meals that are not spicy. They may also recommend that GERD patients elevate the head of their beds a few inches, which helps to keep acid from rising into the throat and that patients eat their evening meals no closer than three hours before bedtime.
Severe damage (erosion) of the esophagus can result in the need for surgical repair and some cases of GERD develop into a condition called “Barrett’s Esophagus”, a pre-cancerous condition that may require removal of a section of the esophagus.
While actual breathing disorders require separate treatments of their own, treating GERD can help to prevent these illnesses from developing and help patients to recover or improve from existing breathing disorders.
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic Digestive Disease Institute
Jim Lowrance - James M. (Jim) Lowrance has authored over 100 book and ebook publications since year 2004.
