Acid Reflux Asthma

According to some conclusions and reports, there is relation between acid reflux and asthma. People with medical condition of asthma may have higher chances of getting acid reflux than the people without asthma. According to various asthma specialist there is more possibility of having defective LES if the person is suffered by asthma. It is true that there is no any perfect reason that proves the acid reflux but there may be different connection between asthma and acid reflux. However, it is unclear that who is responsible for causing asthma and acid reflux.

Acid reflux may cause asthma symptoms in two days. People didn't understand that the acid reflux is causing them to breathe little droplets if acid into their lungs. More than 60% of people with asthma also have gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, asthma can be treated by treating GERD.

Symptoms of Asthma:

The muscles, which are known as LES or lower esophageal sphincter acts as valve and enables food to pass into the stomach from esophagus. Digestion of food occurs here. Mostly the LES does not close properly that helps stomach acids to back into esophagus that further occurs gastroesophageal or acid reflux. There are various symptoms of acid reflux but heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux. Except this symptom there are more severe symptoms such as chocking and bleeding.

20 to 30% people of the population are suffered by the acid disease. However percentage is more in people with asthma than the normal people. The exact reason behind the asthma acid reflux is not known. According to some results and experts, asthma may result in pressure allowing the LES to relax that ends into acid reflux. Stomach acids are also responsible for irritating lungs and heighten asthma.

The study is ongoing to find out the connection between asthma and acid reflux and the study is called as, 'Study of Acid Reflux in Asthma'. The study shows that there are approx 400 participants are unable to control their asthma. To know the result of medicines half of the participants provided with 40mg of esomeprazole and other half with placebo. Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor drug that is used to treat acid reflux disease. After the medicine course the severity of acid reflux symptoms and asthma symptoms will be measured.

Precautions during GERD and Asthma

It is important to take medication consistently to cure acid reflux and asthma. The medications should be prescribed for both acid reflux and asthma. Except medication you have to take precaution to avoid exposure to heartburn and asthma triggers. You have to take some precautions to prevent GERD symptoms including:

Avoid sleeping on your right side: Proper sleep is the best way to prevent symptoms of GERD. You have to sleep on your left side that helps to remove stomach acid and aids digestion. There may be degeneration of heartburn because of sleeping on right side.
Avoid foods that lead to heartburn: Some foods are responsible for increasing the production of acid and gastric pressure. Also you have to avoid foods such as spicy foods, citrus juices and fruits that irritate the lining of the esophagus. Intake of these foods at dinnertime may increase the chances of nighttime heartburn.
Take meal 2 to 3 hours before lying down: Lying down on full stomach may cause pressure against LES increasing the chances of refluxed food. To avoid this you may take naps or try sleeping in the chair.
Don't take alcohol: Alcohol is responsible for increasing stomach acid production that also allows the content to reflux back into the esophagus