Can
acid reflux affect breathing?
Before we answer this question let us learn a
little more about acid reflux. Acid Reflux also
known as Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease or GERD
has several causes; however, one of its major
physical effects on the body is the weakening of
the Lower Esophageal Sphincter or the LES. As a
result of this, there are several other problems
that a patient suffering from acid reflux may have
to deal with. These problems are often looked at
as symptoms of acid reflux.
Problems
in breathing or asthma are one of the most common
problems or symptoms that are associated with acid
reflux. Breathing tends to become a little too
difficult for people who are affected by acid
reflux especially when they lie down. Thus, they
are often asked to sleep with their heads in a
higher position than their bodies, so that they do
not end up spending sleepless nights. It has been
observed that acid reflux patients also tend to
start snoring.
Thus
the answer to the question: can acid reflux affect
breathing? - is yes.
How
Can Acid Reflux Affect
Breathing
There
is a simple reason, because of which acid reflux
affects breathing. Now, between the esophagus, or
the food pipe and the stomach, lies the lower
esophageal sphincter. This sphincter opens up
whenever the food needs to be passed from the
esophagus to the stomach. After the food has moved
to the stomach, the LES closes so as to ensure
that the food remains in the
stomach.
However,
during acid reflux, the LES becomes weak, as a
result of which, it opens up when it is not
supposed to. Thus, the hydrochloric acid from the
stomach, which is an essential acid for digestion,
passes upwards in to the esophagus. This causes
problems in breathing for the acid reflux patient.
Other than this, the movement of the acid into the
esophagus could also fatally damage the lungs and
cause aspiration or even
cancer.
The
pressure that is created in the chest due to the
movement of the acid upwards, and the uncontrolled
opening of the LES results in a slower breathing
process and often leaves the acid reflux patient
breathless. Thus, acid reflux can affect
breathing.
To
treat this problem of breathing that is caused due
to acid reflux, you would choose to adopt the
holistic approach. In this, way you will able to
deal with the very cause of Gastro Esophageal
Reflux Disease itself. This will also ensure that
the breathing problem does not come
back.
treat
For Breathing Problems during Acid
Reflux
Although,
there are medications that help improve the
breathing during acid reflux, these only treat the
symptom. Since, breathing problems, are only a
symptom of acid reflux, it is recommended that
rather than adopting methods to treat the breathing
problem, you adopt methods, to treat acid reflux
itself.
There
are several causes of Gastro Esophageal Reflux
Disease, and it is these that you should look at
curing rather than solely curing the breathing
problem that is caused due to acid reflux, this
can be done by adopting the holistic approach.
After you have found the cause for acid reflux,
you should try and seek an appropriate diagnosis
for the root cause itself. This will also ensure
that your breathing problem is not just
permanently treatd and you will not have the
problem of breathlessness
again.
Thus,
not only can acid reflux affect breathing
but can also cause several other problems. To treat
acid reflux and acid reflux breathing problems,
you should consult a professional who is
specialized in the holistic approach to treat acid
reflux.
