Acid Reflux Diet

There is an estimated 20 million Americans who have acid reflux disease and more than half of those suffer from asthma. It is still pondered whether acid reflux disease causes asthma or asthma causes acid reflux. Studies have shown that asthmatics are more likely to have acid reflux symptoms than persons without asthma are. Other studies by scientists have shown that acid reflux can cause or worsen the symptoms of asthma. The medications used by asthma sufferers can also cause acid reflux disease or worsen the symptoms. There is a distinct connection between the two (asthma and acid reflux disease), but there is no proof that either one causes the other.

There are some experts who think that a chronic cough caused by asthma attacks can change the pressure in the chest and trigger acid reflux disease. Also certain medications that are meant to relax the airways to help with better breathing can cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax as well which can lead to acid reflux. Then there are the experts who think since acid reflux is the associated with many other upper respiratory problems that it is also the probable cause of asthma. Those who have a severe chronic type of asthma are also more likely to have acid reflux.

There is an ongoing nation wide study for the connection between acid reflux and asthma. This study is called "Study of Acid Reflux in Asthma," or SARA. This study is enrolling approximately 400 participants who do not have good control of their asthma. Half the participants will be given 40 mg of esomeprazole (NEXIUM®). This medication will be given twice a day. This is a proton pump inhibitor drug commonly used to treat those with acid reflux disease. The other half will receive a placebo. No one including the scientist will know what was given to which participant. During the study, researchers will measure the severity of acid reflux disease symptoms and asthma symptoms and compare their notes.

There are many symptoms cause by acid reflux. The main symptoms include a bitter taste in the back of the throat, a burning sensation that begins in the stomach and can move upward, a feeling of possible regurgitation of food and pain in the chest that may increase when bending over, exercising, lying down or lifting heavy objects. Secondary symptoms of acid reflux include, feeling of a lump in the throat, hoarse voice or difficulty speaking, chronic cough, a choking sensation and sore throat. If the acid reflux problem persists, it can cause damage to the esophagus, which can lead to a number of things including vomiting of blood, bleeding and ulcers in the esophagus, black or tarry stools and difficulty swallowing.

There are many treatments of acid reflux disease including surgery. In most cases, the acid reflux is not severe enough to have surgery. For most of those who suffer from acid reflux, their doctor will prescribe an antacid that will help from suffering any long-term effects of acid reflux. This article in no way substitutes professional medical advice and anyone experiencing severe heartburn symptoms should contact their regular health care provider.

Contact Us | Privacy Policy |