Can Acid Reflux Cause Shortness Of Breath?

Acid reflux can lead to shortness of breath. When acid escapes the stomach and travels back up into the throat, it can enter the lungs and cause inflammation. This inflammation causes acid reflux breathing issues such as coughing, wheezing and asthma.

Acid reflux overview

Acid reflux happens when the esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes, allowing stomach acid to travel back up the esophagous. If it’s happening to you often, you may have gastroesophageal disease, otherwise known as GERD. 

Common symptoms include:

• Burning sensation (heartburn)
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Regurgitation of food
• Feeling a lump in your throat
• Chest pain
• Chronic cough
• Trouble sleeping 
• Asthma issues 

Does acid reflux lead to shortness of breath?

Acid reflux is linked to respiratory symptoms like chronic coughing and wheezing. Acid reflux breathing issues typically happen at night when the acid rising up the throat gets in the lungs. The airways then swell, thus causing shortness of breath. Stomach acid can inflame the windpipe in general which can cause breathing issues. The connection is not entirely understood, but acid reflux and shortness of breath often go hand-in-hand.

The link between asthma and acid reflux

Second, people with asthma typically report shortness of breath as well as heartburn. The thought is that the coughing and wheezing symptoms of asthma can cause pressure that pushes the stomach acid up and into the esophagus causing acid reflux symptoms. There's definitely a link between the two, so if you have asthma and begin experiencing acid reflux, see an online doctor to discuss treatment options.

How to cure shortness of breath due to acid reflux?

Curing acid reflux breathing issues can happen in a number of ways. Between changing your diet and  implementing small lifestyle changes, getting your acid reflux under control can help alleviate shortness of breath. 

Dietary changes

When it comes to diet, there are foods to avoid and foods to pay attention to. Make sure you’re incorporating foods that neutralize stomach acid into your diet such as:

• Chicken breast – bake, broil or grill it 
• Bananas 
• Melons – cantaloupe and watermelon with other melons are low acid fruits and some of the best things you can eat for acid reflux
• Oatmeal – whole grains, like in oatmeal, are great for keeping acid reflux symptoms at bay
• Mild greens such as lettuce 
• Ginger – excellent for any stomach issues 

Food to avoid:

• Coffee – While you’re at it, you should probably get rid of all caffeinated beverages to reduce stomach irritation
• Chocolate
• Tomatoes – VERY acidic. Avoid marinara sauce, ketchup, tomato soup and anything else with tomatoes in it
• Alcohol – Alcohol relaxes the esophagus and also encourages stomach acid production. 
• Fried food
• Citrus fruits – Highly acidic, citrus fruits should be avoided at all cost to reduce acid reflux shortness of breath

Lifestyle changes

Along with dietary changes, lifestyle changes can help reduce acid reflux breathing issues. 

• Limit stress
• Quit smoking
• Stop eating 2-3 hours before bed
• Avoid tight fitting clothing
• Elevate your upper body when you’re sleeping. 

Why Omeprazole (Generic Prilosec) is your best treatment option for acid reflux

With moderate to severe cases of acid reflux, making simple lifestyle and dietary changes may not be enough to curb your symptoms. The good news? Prescription drug Omeprazole has been proven to be incredibly effective treatment, alleviating all symptoms!

Take control of your treatment by speaking with one of our online doctors today. They can help you discuss your best course of action, including prescription medication Omeprazole.

The best part? Omeprazole works the same as brand name acid reflux medications—at a fraction of the cost! It works by reducing stomach acid, effectively preventing recurring episodes of acid reflux. Plus, most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, can safely take Omeprazole.

Schedule a virtual doctor’s appointment, today.

Get help for your acid reflux, today!

Acid reflux is incredibly bothersome & inconvenient. While diet & lifestyle changes may help, your best option to treat acid reflux is to speak with a doctor.

Schedule a virtual visit with one of EMD's reputable doctors & get a personalized treatment plan that works.

Stop living with acid reflux. Get help, today!.