Acid reflux and asthma are closely related, with acid reflux worsening asthma symptoms. Treatment for acid reflux can improve patient comfort and control asthma symptoms. Patients with asthma should be aware of their increased risk for acid reflux and seek evaluation if their treatment plans aren’t working.
Acid reflux and asthma are closely related conditions. Many people with asthma also have acid reflux disease, and episodes of acid reflux can make asthma symptoms worse. Treatment of acid reflux will help relieve the patient’s asthma symptoms and increase patient comfort. A patient with asthma who experiences random wheezing, a nighttime cough, burning sensations in the throat, and a hoarse voice may wish to be evaluated for acid reflux. It is important to be aware that in laryngopharyngeal reflux, also known as silent acid reflux, heartburn is not present and the patient can become ill without having the classic symptoms associated with acid reflux disease.
In patients with acid reflux and asthma, when stomach acid travels up the esophagus and irritates the area around the larynx, it can trigger a sympathetic response in the bronchial passages. The bronchial passages are designed to keep anything other than air out of the lungs. When they feel the presence of acid in the stomach, they constrict, leading to coughing and wheezing for the patient. Using an inhaler should help the patient breathe easier by forcing the passageways to reopen.
Some asthma medications have been linked to an increase in acid reflux. These medications are used with care and the patient may be prescribed an acid reflux medication as a preventative measure. Patients with acid reflux and asthma can use measures to control their acid reflux to help them manage their asthma. This can include making dietary changes, taking medications, having surgery, and wearing loose clothing that doesn’t compress the abdomen.
In patients with silent acid reflux and asthma, the explanation for the bothersome asthma symptoms may not be immediately apparent. An examination will be required to identify signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux in the patient’s throat. Patients may find it helpful to keep a diary noting when asthma symptoms improve and worsen, as this can establish a pattern to explain the patient’s symptoms and can demonstrate acid reflux and a connection to asthma.
Between 50 and 80% of patients with asthma also have acid reflux. Asthmatic patients should be aware that their chances of getting acid reflux are much higher than in the general population. They may consider taking proactive steps to prevent reflux episodes and should talk to their doctors about evaluation for acid reflux if their current asthma treatment plans aren’t working and they haven’t been screened for signs of the disease from acid reflux.
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