Asthma and Acid Reflux can combine to create a respiratory marriage that’s hard to break up. We’re picking up on our previous FLASS topic of asthma triggers and digging deeper. We once again want to bring you information to help when asthma and acid reflux hitchhiker attack.
Medication and Proper Foods Can Relieve Your Symptoms of Asthma and Acid Reflux disease.
Asthma VS Acid Reflux, a Heartbreaker:
Is there a link between Acid Reflux and Asthma?
In this blog article How do the worlds of asthma and acid reflux get together and what does it mean? First, we will explore a possible link between asthma and acid reflux. Secondly, we will learn how acid reflux creates discomfort. Thirdly, we will then arm you with a list of foods to ease the heartburn symptoms so they won’t trigger your asthma.
A Burning Connection and a Bad Romance
Wait, are you’re wondering why it is so bad when asthma and acid reflux team up? One asthma acid reflux sufferer describes it this way, “It’s like your throat has been slit and someone has poured acid down it.” She added, “Add that burning to the classic shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and wheezing of a regular attack.” Additionally, “You have the recipe of symptoms that cause a fiery choking as well as a struggle to breathe. “
A Link of Two Triggers
Is there a link between these two unwelcome lovebirds named asthma and acid reflux? Evidently, Mayo Clinic thinks there is. They reported that there’s a definite connection. And they make it clear that “asthma can worsen acid reflux and acid reflux can worsen asthma – especially severe acid reflux… This results in a “condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)”. Thus, we repeat, if your doctor has diagnosed you with both asthma and acid reflux, be aware that the two conditions can trigger each other.
Prescription Woes
And be aware that your medicine might not work as well for an asthma attack if accompanied by the bad influence of acid reflux. Likewise, Mayo reminds us that when the two are playing a duet within our vital organs, our prescriptions may not work as well. In fact, “in some cases, asthma medications can worsen acid reflux. This is particularly true of theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theocron). But don’t quit taking or change any asthma medications without getting your doctor’s OK first.”.
Asthma with a Side of Heartburn?
“In addition, some studies employing pH monitoring have shown a prevalence of GERD of 30% to 65% among patients with asthma. This article examines insights into the relationship between GERD and asthma. Asthma and may exacerbate each other. GERD may induce bronchospasm and asthma may induce GERD.”
Acid Reflux Defined For the Faint of Heart
To put it simply, Acid Reflux occurs when the esophagus fails to shut the door on the stomach. As a result, those leaking stomach acids will produce the chest burning pain associated with heartburn as soon as they make contact with the esophagus.
Acid Reflux Medically Defined: GERD
A deeper definition, according to Cleveland Clinic, states “Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is the medical term for the milder form of the ailment.” It is “commonly called Heartburn.” They say that getting heartburn more than two times a week can mean you have GERD and that nutrition may be a key to reducing its symptoms.
“Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back into the esophagus. The LES is a ring-like muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. Heartburn occurs when a refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest.
Getting to the Heart of Reducing GERD
The medical experts agree that you can improve symptoms of acid reflux by improving your diet. Conversely, all those little sayings we heard growing up like, sit up when you eat. You must eat at the table. And eat small meals. All these sayings are proving true. Also, just as we always thought, there are the right foods and wrong foods to eat when managing this condition. We’ve listed it all below to make the right choices simple,
How to Relieve GERD Symptoms–So They Don’t Trigger Your Asthma
There are clear triggers and nutritional habits that can make a difference in curtailing the severity of the acid reflux symptoms. Cleveland Clinic outlines guidelines like diet and lifestyle changes to help combat the painful symptoms of (GERD). Basically, Cleveland Clinic recommends the following diet and eating changes as a way to prevent the discomfort:
Diet/Avoid the Following Foods
Follow Your Asthma Action Plan and Keep Calm. Asthma and Acid Reflux Can Be Treated.
- Caffeine
- Citrus/Fruit Juice
- Carbonated Beverages,
- Alcohol
- Mints (peppermint, spearmint)
- Tomato products
- Fried or Greasy Foods
- Garlic and Onions
- Chocolate
More Possible Trigger Foods
- Whole milk
- Chocolate milk
- Cheese
- Milkshakes
Foods Safe for Acid Reflux
When you read the above list, you are bound to think, “Gee, all I can eat is crackers.” However, many food choices are possible when using Fat-free, low-fat, and reduced-fat ingredients.
Surprisingly, you can even have deserts if prepared properly. For example, you could have “Angel food cake, sponge cake, low-fat cookies.” You can even eat ice cream provided it is reduced-fat ice cream.
For a more complete list of “safe foods” as well as “trigger foods,”, check out the list on this reputable site.
Your Challenge to Avoid Acid Reflux: Special Eating/Lifestyle Instructions
These instructions should reduce your suffering and increase your enjoyment of life. Consider these special eating/lifestyle to ease the discomfort of acid reflux disease. There are almost like “momma’s list.”
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat small, frequent meals.
- Reduce fats (butter, oils, gravy, fatty meats)
- Maintain upright posture before and after meals.
- Avoid eating before bedtime.
- Avoid tight clothing.
- Raise the head while sleeping. For the sake of your asthma and your acid reflux, please stop smoking
FLASS recommends the above tips to take charge of health. And thus, reduce the chances of being double teamed by asthma, acid reflux duo.
A Healthy Life Style is Key to Offsetting the Evil Twin Triggers of Asthma and Acid Reflux
Burning Food and Special Insight
Interested readers who want to find out more about this topic can explore the research findings of Fehmi Ates, MD and Michael F Vaezi, MD, Ph.D., MSc (Epi) in their recent study. It is referred to as “Insight Into the Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Asthma.
The study involved “asymptomatic patient with asthma.” Part of the conclusion included that “we must focus on optimizing asthma control…” Also vital is controlling “other factors, including patient compliance, proper inhaler technique, and the control of other significant combined conditions.”
If you are suffering from asthma, acid reflux or a combination of both, call FLASS for an appointment with our team of caregivers.
We can help you to breathe easier and enjoy life more. As always, we thank you for reading the Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists’ Blog. Watch for more news and information on the world of respiratory medicine.