Most people have heard of acid reflux and most people have heard of asthma, but not many are aware of acid reflux asthma. Acid reflux is experienced by as many as 70% of all asthmatics.

Acid reflux (often referred to as GERD or gastro esophageal reflux) is a persistent condition that occurs when acid and other materials in the stomach back up into the esophagus.

Asthma is a chronic health condition in which the airways become inflamed and sensitive, and overreact to certain triggers such as animal dander, pollen, cigarette smoke, cold air, certain smells, and even strong emotions.

<b>Acid Reflux Asthma</b>

Acid reflux is experienced by as many as 70% of all asthmatics. The exact cause of this relationship is still unclear, however, there are several theories.

One theory is that the chronic cough caused by asthma attacks increases the pressure in the chest. It’s thought that this high pressure forces the stomach acid up the esophagus, resulting in reflux symptoms. On the flip side, the effect acid reflux can have on asthma is to irritate the lungs and further aggravate the condition, something that has been observed in many asthma patients.

Another theory is that some asthma medications designed to relax the airways may also relax the esophageal sphincter, thereby allowing the rise of the stomach acids which creates acid reflux.

The irony is that acid reflux treatments generally do not improve an asthma condition, so the relationship between the two continues to be a bit baffling.

Related posts:

  1. Asthma And Acid Reflux – Is There A Relationship?
  2. Acid Reflux Cough – Part I
  3. Acid Reflux Bad Breath
  4. Acid Reflux Cough – Part II
  5. What Causes Acid Reflux?