According to Dr. Pratik Tibdewal, consultant gastroenterologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road (India), acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common condition when stomach acid flows up the esophagus, causing uncomfortable symptoms. One of the problems that can arise from acid reflux is difficulty breathing.
How does acid reflux cause difficulty breathing?
Dr. Pratik Tibdewal says acid reflux not only causes typical symptoms such as heartburn or food reflux, but can also cause shortness of breath through the following mechanisms:
Respiratory irritation: When stomach acid flows up into the esophagus and sometimes into the duodenum (goot), it can stimulate nerves in the respiratory tract, leading to bronchial contractions or laryngitis, causing difficulty breathing.
Shortness of breath due to cough or asthma: Acid reflux can cause a chronic cough or worsen asthma symptoms. When acid enters the airway, it can cause inflammation or lung irritation, making breathing more difficult.
Body reaction: When stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, the body can react by creating a protective reflex to expel foreign substances. One of these reactions can be coughing or feeling short of breath.
Increased risk of pneumonia: If acid reflux occurs frequently, it can lead to pneumonia because acid enters the bronchi and lungs, causing shortness of breath and chest tightness.
How to manage shortness of breath due to acid reflux
To manage symptoms of shortness of breath due to acid reflux, you can apply the following lifestyle and dietary changes:
Lifestyle changes
Raising your bed sheets while you sleep: Raising your bed sheets can help prevent acid reflux into the esophagus while you sleep.
Don't lie down immediately after eating: remains at least 2-3 hours after a meal before lying down or going to bed to help reduce the risk of acid reflux.
Maintain a reasonable weight: Being overweight or obese can increase pressure on the stomach, making it easy for acid to reflux into the esophagus. Maintaining a reasonable weight will help reduce this condition.
Changing your diet
Avoid reflux-prone foods: Spicy foods, acidic fruits (orange, lemon, tangerine), caffeine, greasy foods, and fried foods can stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, causing reflux.
Eat small meals: Dividing meals into small meals helps the stomach not be overloaded, reduces pressure on the stomach and reduces the risk of reflux.
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Both cigarettes and alcohol increase stomach acid production and reduce the Escapular valve's ability to tighten, thereby making acid reflux more serious. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can help improve symptoms.
Using drugs
Medications to treat acid reflux: Medications such as proton pumping inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers can help reduce stomach acid production, thereby reducing reflux symptoms. However, the use of drugs requires a doctor's prescription and monitoring.
