Could acid reflux be the cause of my shortness of breath?
Yes. The cause of shortness of breath, recurring bronchial infections and chronic asthma in most patients is acid reflux. In fact, 85 percent of all patients diagnosed with asthma have acid reflux as an underlying cause.
But I don’t have heartburn — isn’t that a symptom of acid reflux?
If all patients with acid reflux presented with heartburn and indigestion, the diagnosis would be easy. As a result, patients would take over-the-counter reflux medication for their uncomfortable, “classic” reflux symptoms. But, what happens when you don’t experience these “classic” symptoms? What if you feel short of breath or keep getting bouts of bronchitis? Naturally, you would go to the doctor, possibly have a breathing test and find that your breathing is not good.
Why doesn’t my allergy medicine help?
Often these patients are diagnosed with allergies or asthma, but their allergy medications and inhalers are not working. They are frequently given recurring courses of antibiotics for bronchial infections. In most cases the diagnosis is not correct and the underlying cause — acid reflux — of all of the symptoms is missed.
How can I tell if acid reflux is the cause?
Inspiratory breathing (in-breath) problems are caused by acid reflux; expiratory breathing (out-breath) problems are symptoms of asthma. Ask yourself: “Do I have more trouble breathing in or breathing out?” When breathing problems are recurring for you and you are frustrated with the symptom management, ask your otolaryngologist (ENT) if you have “silent” reflux.
How can I manage my symptoms?
Conservative management, including avoiding eating 3 hours prior to bedtime, elevating the head of the bed and reducing highly acidic foods, can be very helpful. Some patients require reflux medication. The proper diagnosis and treatment can be very helpful and life-changing for many people.
I know the 24 hour heartburn and shortness of breath is annoying. Never experienced anything in my life. Sometimes I think I’m gonna die. But I was a bone cause I had mild heartburn until it turned into gerd or acid reflux disease. Which both are curable, diet and meds can cure them. I Was taking nexium at first then I stopped. Took 40 mg omeprazole worked then stop and started to recently feel the heartburn and shortness of breath and waku in the middle of the night. My doctor gave me dexilant shit literally took 2 days and I was sleeping like a baby, no pain no shortness of breath. Until I ran out. But changing your diet can have an impact I’m still learning the hard way. But I have started to and getting my dexiliant tomorrow so I can take it again and get back on track. Talk to your doctor about dexilant. Shit works.