The widespread opinion in the medical society today is that there is a relationship between acid reflux and asthma – people suffering from asthma tend to develop GERD more often, which in turn will cause a worsening of their asthma.

Asthma is a commonly encountered respiratory affection, characterized by symptoms such as airflow resistance, wheezines and breathlessness, as well as hyper responsiveness to stimuli. The patient may also suffer from allergies more frequently, and it is common for the affection to manifest through nocturnal episodes.

Acid reflux, also known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD, is an affection caused by the gastric acid entering the esophagus and attacking the tissue there; one of the most common symptoms of this affection is the heartburn – a burning sensation in the lower chest, behind the sternum.

There seems to be a relationship between acid reflux and asthma; however, at this time, the studies performed on the matter have not reached any conclusive results. The common line of thought among health care professionals today is that the presence of GERD causes a worsening of the patient’s asthma, especially when the treatment for acid reflux is delayed or not applied at all. This is because the condition continues to progress, leading to the gastric acid reaching the mouth – but before that, it will affect the patient’s lungs.

At the same time, asthma causes a number of changes inside the patient’s chest, due to the high pressure created through breathing. This pressure may cause the gastric fluids to exit from the stomach into the esophagus, thus facilitating the onset of GERD.

Patients suffering from asthma should seek their doctor’s advice at any sign that may indicate the onset of GERD, as their condition will only worsen if they become affected by both acid reflux and asthma. It is strongly recommended that the patients only follow the doctor’s advice regarding their medication treatment. Typically, asthma medication comes under the form of aerosol sprays, as they are easily assimilated into the organism and cause less side effects. The doctors may prescribe drugs based on hydrocortisone or adrenaline, as well as a number of other substances with preventive or curative properties. However, you should never take any medication for your condition without seeking the advice of a specialized health care professional beforehand.

Specialists are still studying the exact nature of the relationship between acid reflux and asthma. The results point towards the conclusion that it is easier to effectively treat asthma once the patient is no longer suffering from GERD and similarly, acid reflux is more easily cured once the respiratory affection has been relieved.

Technorati Tags: Acid Reflux, Asthma

Related posts:

1. The Causes of Acid Reflux
2. Severe Acid Reflux Disease
3. Heartburn And Acid Reflux

So exactly what type of problems are we talking about? For starters the constant presence of acid reflux in the esophagus can lead to esphagitis, the inflammation of the esophagus. If the esophagus is not allowed to heal, other complications can arise.

Asthma – many people do not consider acid reflux as a cause of asthma, but the acid that flows back up into the esophagus can stimulate nerves related to the lungs which can constrict the airway causing coughing in non-asthmatics, and result in an asthma attack for those who do suffer from asthma.

Aspiration occurs when acid refluxed actually enters the lungs. Aspiration causes inflammation within the lungs, which leading to coughing, choking, and/or shortness of breath. If this persist the lungs can be scared from the acid reflux and which could lead to health problems such as  pneumonia.

Ulcers – If esophagitis is allowed to go unchecked it  can damage the esophagus lining. The acid reflux can begin to eat-away or burn a hole through esophagus lining resulting in ulcers.  Ulcers can cause a lot of discomfort because of the erosion of the lining, which can lead to bleading ulcers which often needs to be repaired surgical.

Strictures – A stricture is caused by the shrinkage or narrowing of the  inner cavity of the esophagus due to the scar caused by acid reflux.  If the stricture is severe enough food can become lodge in the esophagus. Causing much discomfort and annoyance. To fix this problem surgery is often recommended to re-stretch the stricture.

Barrett’s esophagus – Barrett’s esophagus is contracted by approximately 10% of the people with surffering from GERD. Barrett’s esophagus occurs when acid reflux damages the lower esophagus to the point that cells undergo metaplasia or a  cellular change. Metaplasia causes the composition of the cell in the esophagus wall to change. This cellular change is the body attempt to protect its self from the stomach acid by clsely match those cells found in the stomach and intestine.  This may sound beneficial but it’s very painful and can lead to esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer. – Esophageal cancer develops in the inner layer of the esophagus resulting from Barrett’s esophagus. The good news is that only 1% of Barrett’s esophagus suffers actually develop esophageal cancer.  I must point out that Esophageal cancer is very serious and life threatening.  Even though the risk may be minimal care should be taken if you suffer from Barrett’s esophagus. You will want to see you gastroenterologist on a regular basis.

Letting Acid Reflux go untreated can lead to complications which could have simply been avoided if you learning how to prevent acid reflux, through diet and/or medication.   Learn more about treating acid reflux naturally by clicking here!

Technorati Tags: Asthma, Barrett's esophagus, Esophageal cancer

Related posts:

1. The Relationship Between Acid Reflux and Asthma
2. Severe Acid Reflux Disease
3. Heartburn and Acid Reflux, and Their Side Effects