Asthma and Acid Reflux Interaction

People who suffer from both asthma and acid reflux are usually faced with medical problems now and then for research shows that acid reflux increases the number and severity of the asthma attacks, in comparison to asthmatics who do not suffer from acid reflux.

Acid Reflux and Asthma: More Attacks of Both

Studies on this subject that have reached a proper conclusion are yet to be done, and scientists and doctors still have no clue as to how or why these diseases are inter-related and effect one another, in order to explain the increased attacks they cause.

However, in a study conducted by medical professionals and researchers injected acid into the gullets of asthmatics, and noted that it resulted in more severe attacks than those usually experienced by the patients. In fact, sometimes the patient ended up suffering from attacks of both asthma and acid reflux simultaneously, which increased their breathing difficulties in the absence of any pulmonary aids.

Some scientists believe that this phenomenon can be explained by the fact that when a patient suffers from an asthma attack, the pressure patterns in their lungs undergo changes, rippling over to a change in their breathing patterns. This laborious breathing results in forcing the liquid from your stomach to move in the direction of the esophagus, causing the acid that may travel along with the liquid to produce a burning sensation in the area of your throat.

As the asthmatic patient continues to breathe laboriously, more liquid will be forced into the food pipe causing greater discomfort. This may also be reflected in the form of pressure points in the chest or heartburns.

Preventing Acid Reflux and Asthma

Acid reflux and asthma are both chronic diseases, triggered by some things such as smoke, general lifestyle and food. In order to prevent frequent attacks, the patient must pay attention to what she/he eats and drinks. Acid reflux usually seems to be triggered by caffeine content or oily and strong flavoured food. Asthma may be triggered by non-allergens and allergens not just in the food but also the environment. If you suffer from both ailments, figuring out what triggers their attacks for you will be of great help in finding a cure.