Reflux

Good evening, does anyone think that reflux and heartburn makes asthma worse? I suggested this to my consultant but he disregarded this. I am progressively getting worse with asthma.

Regards

[lakelover]

I don't suffer from it myself, but I understand it does make asthma worse.

[beech]

Yes, I do, for myself.

And going on postings on this and the related British Lung Foundation forum, many post of the issues they have with reflux.

So perhaps just your consultant hasn’t heard of, or not been interested outside of standard asthma symptoms, the co-existence of this for many of us.

[Palette]

I tried Gaviscon when my chest felt tight and it seemed to help immediately. I now try it when I feel wheezy and have found I need less use of inhaler. The Gaviscon or anything similar soothes inflammation which must affect breathing, anything that helps is worth a try. The word asthma is used to describe breathing problems which I suppose can be caused by lots of things, we all have different things which must affect our chests. I wonder if research needs to be done about reflux affecting breathing, many cases of asthma may be a side effect of digestive problems rather than specifically lung problems. Would also love more info on the subject from people with more knowledge than myself.

[Kaza20]

Hi, I to have found this and actually feel that GERD has contributed to me getting asthma and yes consultants do disagree but after reading about the problems that acid reflux causes and the damage it does to the lungs, you have to dig your heels in a bit and make them listen, will take time but read about it and take it to your doctors, when proof is in black and white they find it hard to refute, hope this helps, good luck

[Krcz]

Heartburn definitely makes asthma worse, even can be the cause of developing asthma. I have had cough for about 20 yrs now and when I was put on 300 mg of ranitidine, 40mg of omeprazole, liquid gaviscon after every meal and montelukast, my cough just about almost disappeared. When I did stop them, my symptoms returned. Now back to taking them and symptoms improved.

[Newproblems]

I am sure there is a link. I developed asthma after having an oesophagectomy. The acid reflux became quite bad after the surgery and I do believe there is a link between that and asthma. Obviously I am on medication for the reflux but I still consider it to be the cause or aggravation of asthma.

[Lynkeogh]

Heartburn and Asthma: What's the Link?

The connection between asthma and heartburn is a two-way street. If you have asthma, your chances of having heartburn go up. And if you have frequent heartburn, it can trigger asthma symptoms or make them worse.

Doctors aren't exactly sure why the conditions go together so closely, but they do know the link involves stomach acid and your airways.

How Heartburn Affects Asthma

You get heartburn when an opening between your stomach and your esophagus doesn't work the way it should. The esophagus is a tube that connects your stomach and your throat. The faulty opening lets acid in your stomach get into the esophagus. You may hear your doctor call this "acid reflux."

Your esophagus doesn't have the same protective lining as your stomach, so the acid irritates it and often causes an uncomfortable burning feeling in your chest. It's normal for it to happen now and then, but if it's a long-term problem it could be a sign of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

There are two ways acid reflux can trigger asthma or make symptoms worse:

Acid touches the nerves in your esophagus. This sets off a chain reaction. The nerves tell your brain to tell your airways to protect themselves from the acid. Your airways narrow to keep the acid out, and asthma symptoms start.

Stomach acid gets into your lungs directly. The acid irritates your airways, which makes you wheeze, cough, and feel tightness in your chest.

You can sometimes have GERD without typical heartburn symptoms. Your doctor can help figure out if "silent" GERD is affecting your asthma by asking you certain questions.

[Marydoll589]

Definitely does! I take bromolain and digestive enzymes before meals. It’s really helped allergies/sinus issues too and post nasal drip. Huge connection . My asthma doctor tried to put me on acid reducing drugs but this would have made me so much worse! You need stomach acid to digest food but it diminishes with age. Try them!

[Wags199]

Yes, I experienced the same thing. If you are open to a non pharmaceutical approach, try 2 ounces of apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of honey to rid yourself of the acid reflux. Also, don’t eat 3 hours before you go to sleep. The cure to my asthma was Black Seed Oil (Black cumin seed). It’s inexpensive and it works. The liquid works faster than the pills. It doesn’t taste good but the results are worth it. For me, I’ve been inhaler free for 2 years. When I feel asthma coming on, I reach for black seed oil and not my inhaler. It naturally fights inflammation.

PS:

Elanaoali would like me to make it clear to you that I’m not suggesting you stop your inhaler. I only stopped using mine because my breathing became so clear after I gained control of the inflammation in my body that I no longer needed it.

Medical freedom is a great thing. Let’s preserve it.

Best to you.

[elanaoali in reply to Wags199]

That's great that you have managed to use non pharmaceutical treatment for your acid reflux.

To the original poster

To help manage your acid reflux

Also avoiding certain foods link below

healthline.com/health/gerd/...

Eating little and often really helps too.

Raising the head end of your bed by 6inches too.

All this really helps me manage my acid reflux and stop any irritation of my asthma.

[Marydoll589 in reply to Wags199]

Which Black seed oil do you use? I have tried a few and feel there can be a difference in quality!

[Wags199 in reply to Marydoll589]

Amazingherbs.com

100% pure cold pressed black cumin seed oil.

[Hidden]

I believe the science is fairly conclusive that there is a connection between the two for many asthmatics.

everydayhealth.com/asthma/s...

This was the first hit when i googled it, there are many articles with links to the studies done.

Your consultant sounds a bit behind the times, I would print a couple of studies done and take them next time.

[Hidden]

Thank you all for your comments.