If your asthma is uncontrolled, especially if you are having nighttime symptoms, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be to blame. GERD is one of the most common conditions that contributes to uncontrolled asthma, and you may need to get evaluated. Symptoms of GERD include:
- Regurgitation or the sensation of the acid and your food backing up; the 'wet burp' is another way patients sometimes describe this.
- Frequent heartburn or pyrosis, the painful burning in your stomach and mid-chest caused by acid from your stomach going up into and irritating your esophagus
- Sour or bitter taste in your mouth- Depending on the severity, the reflux may cause a sour or bitter taste, or you may get a sudden sensation of a salty fluid in your mouth called water brash. Water brash results from the stomach acid stimulating salivary glands to produce saliva.
What Will My Doctor Do if He Suspects GERD Is the Cause of Uncontrolled Asthma?
Your asthma provider may choose to order some tests depending on your symptoms, or he may just start a therapeutic trial to see if your uncontrolled asthma symptoms improve.Your provider may offer you a number of possible treatments for GERD:
- Diet Modification: Avoiding or altering your intake of foods that are known to worsen GERD may be all that you need. These foods include alcohol, fried foods, chocolate, and caffeinated drinks.
- Lifestyle Changes: There are a number of things you can do to improve your asthma symptoms. They can include avoiding eating or drinking 3 hours before lying down, and elevating the head of your bed. Small amounts of elevation can allow gravity to work for you and decrease symptoms.
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe an over-the-counter medication, such as Pepcid AC or Prilosec OTC, or he may recommend a prescription medication. If your symptoms persist, your provider may refer you for further testing.
- Surgery: While not usually necessary, some patients with bad reflux may choose surgery if medical treatment fails or they would rather not have to take medications for the rest of their life.
Will GERD Treatment Help My Asthma?
Both medical and surgical treatments have been shown to decrease nighttime symptoms, decrease the frequency of asthma exacerbations, and improve quality of life in asthma patients. Be sure to keep your doctor informed of how you're feeling -- better or worse.Sources:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Patient Information. Accessed March 8, 2009. Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
