Asthma is a disease whose occurrence has increased with the increase in the levels of pollution in our environment. There are so many more air-borne diseases today that asthma sufferers everywhere are experiencing more severe symptoms than ever before. Some of the symptoms associated with asthma are breathing difficulties, wheezing, airflow blockages, frequently occurring allergies, extreme reactions to stimuli, and nighttime episodes.
One disease anecdotally associated with asthma is Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or acid reflux as it is more commonly known. People who experience heartburn frequently are actually experiencing acid reflux without putting a name to it. Stomach acids rise in the esophagus until they reach the throat and mouth. There is a burning sensation in the abdomen and throat that can be treated but invariably returns. Without proper treatment, the symptoms worsen and can cause serious health problems.
Researchers and doctors both believe that acid reflux and asthma are related although no hard evidence has been found to link these two diseases conclusively. One thing is certain and that is that acid reflux worsens the asthma condition. As acid reflux negatively affects the esophagus and throat, it would seem logical that anything that damages the air passages would also make asthma more pronounced. Conventional thought puts forth the idea that asthmatics’ breathing difficulties increase the pressure in the lungs and chest thus making it easier for gastric juices to back up into the esophagus.
One research has concluded that the introduction of certain acids into an asthmatic’s throat will actually make their symptoms worse. Asthmatics would then be more susceptible to GERD than the rest of the population. So the irony of the situation is that asthmatics are more prone to incurring GERD while at the same time they are the ones whose asthma symptoms will grow more severe once they contract GERD.
Another study tried to prove that the effective treatment of acid reflux would relax the asthma symptoms but this was not the case. So anytime an asthmatic thinks he has acid reflux, he should immediately seek a physician’s advice and help. The combination of these two health problems only results in a synergy in which both conditions worsen because of the presence of the other.
Doctors will prescribe preventative medications such as adrenaline and hydrocortisones which will reduce the inflammation of the airways and enable better respiration. Most asthma medications are air-borne and quickly administered. Any medications prescribed should be taken following the exact instructions of a doctor.
Asthma’s symptoms will change over a lifetime, either reoccurring or subsiding but it is usually the case that a person will have a long term problem. The best path is to get proper advice and medication and stay informed about any breakthroughs in treatment. Waiting for symptoms to abate is not advisable; the time to act is when you first begin to suspect that you have either asthma or acid reflux.
ACID REFLUX * CAUSES * SYMPTOMS OF ACID REFLUX * ADULT ACID REFLUX * ACID REFLUX AND PREGNANCY * ASTHMA AND ACID REFLUX * ACID REFLUX AND SORE THROATS * ACID REFLUX IN CHILDREN * ACID REFLUX IN BABIES * ACID REFLUX TREATMENT * ACID REFLUX NATURAL CURES