GERD
is a disorder, which can seriously affect the
day-to-day life of an individual not because it is
fatal, but because it is extremely uncomfortable.
This disorder causes many side effects, the most
common of which include heartburn and chest pain.
However, many cases have shown that GERD and
shortness of breath are also related.
Shortness of breath can cause serious discomfort.
Hence, you should understand exactly how GERD and
shortness of breath are related in order to gain
some amount of control over the problem.
Can
GERD Lead to Shortness of
Breath?
People
suffering from GERD often experience bouts of
breathlessness, typically when GERD is at its
nastiest best. In fact,
many people seek treatment only because they feel
worried about shortness of breath owning its
causes to other serious conditions. However, not
all people suffering from GERD complain of
shortness of breath. This particular symptom is
also overshadowed by the most common forms of GERD
symptoms. Despite this, research has shown that
GERD can indeed lead to shortness of breath in
people. There is also a rational explanation to
show the relationship between GERD and
shortness of breath to prove this
connection.
What
Causes GERD Induced Shortness of
Breath?
GERD
or Gastroesophageal reflux disorder causes your
stomach to reflux the gastric juices containing
acid to the esophagus. This content slowly snakes
its way up to the esophagus. This can sometimes
constrict tiny airways leading immediately to a
feeling of breathlessness. Some people specially
experience shortness of breath when they are
sleeping at night. This is because, when a person
is sleeping, the limited gravity favors the
movement of the gastric content from the stomach
to the esophagus. This also explains why GERD
symptoms are experienced the most at night.
Another possible reason also exists which can
explain the connection between GERD and
shortness of breath. Some findings have shown
that sometimes, acid can stimulate the nerve
endings, which are located at the lower half of
the esophagus. When this happens, muscles situated
in esophagus contract leading to constriction of
airways. This makes a person feel the familiar
feeling of breathlessness. Stress caused by GERD
can also bring about a feeling of breathless,
though this is a very rare phenomenon and is
related to psychological aspects of the person
rather than physical ones.
How
to Prevent Shortness of
Breath:
Shortness
of breath induced by GERD will continue to exist
as long as GERD is not treated. Though there are
many perception drugs, which claim to provide
relief from GERD and shortness of breath,
they do not provide a permanent solution for the
same.
Hence, it is essential that you seek long
lasting respite from GERD by turning towards
alterative medicine. Alternative medicine with
holistic approach can provide you the treatment
you need to deal with GERD and its many symptoms.
The best part of this treatment is that it does
not rely on pills to ‘cure’ you of shortness of
breath, but makes use of a comprehensive plan of
action, to help you deal with both GERD and
shortness of breath in an efficient and
safe manner.
