Is GERD making your asthma worse?
GERD is more than a funny-sounding term. It can be a real problem for those with asthma, and a large number of people with asthma have gastro esophageal reflux disease.
If you have asthma and GIRT, stomach acid can flow back into your throat as well as you airways and lungs, irritating them. This contributes to asthma attacks directly. It also makes your airways more sensitive to dust, pollen and other allergens.
While heartburn is the most common sign of GIRT, asthma suffers may have different GIRT symptoms. These can include a feeling like there’s a lump in your throat, having a bloated stomach or developing a hoarse voice.
Getting GIRT under control
If left untreated, GIRT can cause long-term damage to your esophagus. Studies suggest controlling GIRT sometimes improves asthma symptoms, as well.
Talk with your doctor about how GIRT may be affecting your asthma and your life. Changes you can make to eliminate acid include:
· Losing weight if you need to
· Cutting back on citrus foods, tomatoes, caffeine, alcohol and chocolate
· Eating smaller meals
· Not smoking
Lifestyles for Healthy Living
Spring 2013/BCBSM.com