Can Acid Reflux Cause Asthma?

It may seem a little strange that acid reflux could cause asthma. In fact, even scientists are perplexed at the potential association between acid reflux, or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and asthma. A recent study was done at the Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina to try and find a correlation. The study found that when mice inhaled minute amounts of gastric fluid that backed up into the esophagus, they developed asthma. The researchers are now wondering if gastric fluid compels the immune system to have an asthmatic reaction.

While the study was only on mice and there needs to be a lot more human-based research, this could be really great news. While GERD is not thought to cause asthma, it could make the condition worse or make those with asthma have more frequent attacks. The best news is that GERD can be treated and controlled. If more research is done and this is proven to be true, many people who have chronic asthma attacks may be able to decrease their attacks by treating acid reflux.

While this study is the first controlled study that linked the two conditions, doctors have been making the association for quite a while. One doctor says that she believes nearly 80 percent of people with asthma – estimated at 15 million Americans - also have acid reflux, even when regurgitation or heartburn aren’t symptoms. She also feels that acid reflux definitely causes asthma when it is aspirated into the lungs and that when acid gets into the esophagus it causes chest tightness and shortness of breath.

One known issue with asthma and acid reflux, especially if acid reflux is found to cause asthma, is that some bronchodilators are known to trigger acid reflux.

Some doctors have even seen the correlation so much, they know the symptoms. Many people who have asthma with acid reflux have a problem controlling the asthma, even with bronchodilators. Some have a nighttime cough, or get asthma after eating a big meal, lying down or drinking alcohol. There seem to be triggers that cause the acid reflux/asthma. Many people who are diagnosed with asthma as an adult, may be experiencing an acid reflux/asthma effect.

Some doctors prescribe their patients Nexim, Protonix or Prilosec. These proton pump inhibitors are generally for GERD and acid reflux, but have been known to help many asthma patients with tight chests and other symptoms that won’t go away. In extreme cases, when proton pump inhibitors do not work, an asthma patient may be referred to a gastroenterologist to further treat their issues.


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