The Connection Between Indigestion and Breathing Problems
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When someone is diagnosed with GERD or acid reflux disease, they are already well aware of many of the symptoms. They probably experience upset stomach, acid pain in the esophagus and throat, and they may already know that they need to adjust their diet, eat smaller meals and take some form of medication. What might surprise them is that there are other impacts that GERD can have, and one of those factors is the lungs. There are many people that have indigestion and breathing has become a problem for them. When a person isn’t aware of the connection between GERD and breathing things can become very scary.
Most patients are aware that acid from the stomach can back up into the throat, mouth and even make it as far as the sinuses. What many don’t realize however, is that it can seep into the lungs as well (called aspiration), causing damage and bringing on a host of problems.
People suffering with uncontrolled reflux often experience wheezing and other breathing difficulties, and they may go through a myriad of tests that are inconclusive until the reflux and lung connection is found. Most people with GERD know they have it, but there is a small percentage that have no idea it is a problem for them, and that makes the connection harder to find.
The stomach is equipped to deal with its own acid, but the other parts of the body are not. Even so, there can be damage in the stomach from the acid. This usually is found in the form of an ulcer. Though acid causes damage to the esophagus it can handle it in small doses, with damage occurring only over time.
The lungs, however, are very vulnerable when acid reaches the tissues, and damage will follow quickly. The larynx (or voice box) will be the first place with noticeable damage. The larynx performs the role of opening and closing to allow air into the lungs.
People with acid moving through the voice box might experience coughing, a rough voice, and some pain in the area. When the acid leaks into the lungs (usually while lying down at night) the lungs react to protect themselves from the caustic substance.
Normally, in healthy lungs there are small hair-like cilia lining the lungs that helps move toxins and mucus out of the lungs keeping them clean. However, when acid is present the cilia will be replaced with a growth much like the lining of the esophagus to protect the lungs. When this happens, the lungs struggle to perform their self-cleaning role like they normally do, and breathing problems are a result.
Left untreated, lung problems can become very serious. Infections can develop and turn into pneumonia and it can also trigger asthma. If left untreated, this can lead to serious and permanent damage to the lungs.
When it comes to indigestion and breathing problems, there should be immediate treatment to get the acid reflux under control. Though heartburn might seem like an inconvenience at first, it is best to get it treated as soon as possible before the acid causes irreversible damage to other systems and organs of the body. Medications can clear things up in early cases, but other intervention might be necessary for severe cases and to get to the root cause of why the reflux occurred in the first instance.
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Hi
This is such a relief for me to find out why I have so many breathing difficulties. I do have asthma and other allergies but have notices that for the past couple of years my brething has worsened. I am almost too frightened to go to sleep at night because I feel so scared when I wake. I`ve tried multiple pillows. I am on medication but can`t say the relief is noticeable. I would like to know what kind of medication is recommended for this aspect of acid reflux complications. thanks again, Lorraine
If a person has been disgnosed with acid reflux, should they get a lung xray with their annual physical checkup?
Thank you so much for this website that keeps us informed on this health condition. It also allows us to share what we find brings us relief.
Since realizing that I have this problem 2 months ago, I have found that so many of us are suffering from it and taking IPP\’s and other pills permanently to control the burning in our chests and throats.
I have had bad acid reflux in my throat on a daily basis for the last 2 months but I am reluctant to taking the IPP\’s my doctor prescribed because I have read that things often get worse when you try to stop taking them! I am controlling the reflux as well as I can through a healthy diet and other natural means. But althought things seem to be calming down a bit, I have to say that the results are not coming along fast enough. The burning in my throat is starting to really worry me. What do you think I should do?
This is the first time i’ve read anything about breathing difficulties with acid reflux.I have been having problems with my breathing at times and was wondering what it was.How will I know if it is irreversible? I am so nervous taking any medications because I’ve had a bad experience with a prescription drug in the past.Two of the side effects were that My tongue felt like it was swollen and it was hard to breathe.It was scarey.My doctor’s appointment is in three days and i’m not looking forward to it.I thought it would clear uo on it’s own by watching what I ate but it’s been about 6 or 7 weeks now.Although I notice a difference in it,it’s still not completely healed.Thank you for reading my letter.
I have just been diagnosed with acid reflux the cause they (doctors) say is from my divertulitis which was diagnosed three years ago and I didn’t have a flare up from when I was diagnosed till just two weeks ago. I was told to take Nexium for one month which I don’t want to do. Instead I read in one of your newsletters that acidopholis and yogurt would help the symtoms which it does. Are there other natural treatments?
Just today my 4 year old granddaughter who is visiting from north central Florida was told by my local family doctor that she possibly has acid reflux, or asthma, or walking pneumonia. He put her on a low dose of Prednisone (which I think is not the thing to do) she has had a cough for about a month. It began in Florida about the time the smoke from the fires just north of where they live began. There was a lot of smoke in the air and in the house. Is there a site I can research acid reflux in young children?
Sonia Fradkin
Sonia
I’m pleased that you are finding relief from the acidopholis and yogurt. However it’s important that you continue to take any prescribed mediciations. If you don’t want to take them you should speak with your doctor and advise them of the alternative means you are adopting instead. You really ought to keep your doctor in the loop. With regards to other natural remedies there are quite a number. I’ve written about a lot of them on the blog so have a browse around.
With regards to your granddaughter I found the following sites on acid reflux in children. I must admit it was hard to find information tailored to childrem, mostly its for babies, however these may be able to give you some information:
http://www.healthykidz.com/about_gerd.aspx
http://www.makinglifebetter.org/index.html - this is a book that you can buy
http://infantreflux.org/
http://www.marci-kids.com/patientstories.html
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Danielle
If you’ve been prescribed meds by your doctor you really ought to be taking them. However, there is no reason why you can’t continue with the dietary modifications to bring your acid reflux under control.
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Penny
I can’t see why you would need to have a lung xray each year unless its going to help with your peace of mind. Although acid respirating into the lungs does happen, its certainly not something that effects the majority of acid reflux sufferers. Speak to your doctor and get their opinion on whether it would be beneficial for your individual case.
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Lorraine
Have you actually been diagnosed with acid reflux? You mention asthma and allergies which could obviously effect your breathing. I would speak to your doctor about your concerns regarding acid reflux and get a confirmed diagnosis.
just started with the website and loving it with gerd i’m finding when I cheat with starbucka coffee i feel as though my throat swells inside . I realize it’s possible it affects my throat and I just might be having a panick attack. any suggestions
The swollen thoat could be an indication of an allergy or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). This is where the refluxed contents of your stomach come all the way up to the back of the throat. Most LPR sufferers complain of a lump in the throat or feeling like something is stuck.
Usually its accompanied by a burning feeling and a bitter taste in the mouth. A visit to an ENT could help to identify if its LPR you have. So to be honest Sandi I would just forgo the coffee as it sounds like you’re not getting any enjoyment from it when you ‘cheat’ a little and give in.
i have really bad acid reflux, and i take nexium which i find helps. my problem is i have an odd feeling on the very back of my tongue i’ve told my docter but he’s never told me what it’s from. i was wondering if you knew what was causing that, i’m desperate for an answer it’s really freaking me out it’s been like this for a few months now and it’s driving me crazy…please help!!!
Janice - I can understand why this is so irritating… Especially when you do not have the answers you seek.
However, only a formal diagnosis can confirm the exact cause.
But here are some things that have been known to cause tongue irritation…
1. The odd feeling at the back of the tongue could be a side effect of taking nexium although it is not common - It would be worth mentioning it again to your doctor. Please do not stop medication without speaking with them first
2. There is a condition which is generally referred to as “Buring Tongue” - You can read more about it here:
http://answers.google.com/answ.....?id=288747
If you symptoms match this condition then you could go armed with some information to speak with your doctor.
3. It could be that acid is refluxing into your mouth (usually at night) and causing the irritation. The mouth and tongue are sensitive to acid and the odd feeling could be acid buring the tongue and throat.
4. There are a number of other conditions that can cause this including allergies, yeast infections and depression - so this is why it is important to explain the symptoms fully to your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Kathryn.
well thank-you!
i have another question… i heard that wisdom teeth can cause stomache problems too is this true?
Hi Janice - glad my previous answer helped.
As for wisdom teeth causing stomach upsets, this isn’t really something I know a lot about, however I believe that having an upset stomach after having your wisdom teeth removed is not uncommon, but passes pretty quickly.
Wisdom teeth can cause problems like infection or disease but these tend to be focused in the mouth, gums and jawbone and can effect chewing and swallowing.