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| Does GERD worsen asthma? | |
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Asthma is an inflammatory disease with multiple triggers. Studies show that the prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is more common in those with asthma than in the general population.
Reflux disease may trigger asthma, coughing, sore throat, hoarseness, or laryngitis. GERD is sometimes missed as an asthma trigger when esophageal symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, or "hiatal hernia" are not present and the disease is "silent." While Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is not an asthma trigger in all asthmatic individuals with GERD, antireflux therapy to reduce acid production may improve asthma in individuals whose reflux is associated with respiratory symptoms. Recent information indicates that a 3-month medication trial is needed to fully evaluate effectiveness. Common medicines used to treat GERD include Nexium, Pepcid®, Prevacid®, Prilosec® or Protonix®. I If necessary, twenty-four hour esophageal pH monitoring helps document silent disease. Surgery is recommended and helpful in some cases. |
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