The stomach contains acids that help digest the food we eat. Acid reflux happens when the digestive acid from the stomach leaks and travels up into the oesophagus. While most of us go through an occasional episode of acid reflux, a frequent occurrence can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a medical condition causing chronic digestive issues.
The shortness of breath often accompanies acid reflux symptoms. Moreover, patients suffering from GERD are at an increased risk of respiratory illnesses like asthma. To gather more information about the diagnosis, symptoms or treatment of any stomach-related disease get in touch with the expert gastroenterologists in Ghaziabad at Manipal Hospitals. The Centre of Excellence in Gastroenterology at Manipal Hospitals offers treatments like colonoscopy, minimally invasive surgery for acute pancreatitis and more.
Acid Reflux and Shortness of Breath?
As the stomach acid travels up to the oesophagus, it causes irritation and swelling in the airways resulting in shortness of breath symptoms and breathing problems. 89% of asthma patients also experience acid reflux symptoms as the acid in the oesophagus triggers the airways to contract. It sends a warning signal to the brain triggering symptoms of sudden shortness of breath and asthma. Consult with our Gastroenterologist in Ghaziabad if you are feeling shortness of breath.
Shortness of Breath Causes Acid Reflux
Shortness of breath causes the airways to narrow, resulting in increased pressure that causes acid reflux.
What are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?
Some common symptoms of acid reflux or GERD are:
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Sour taste due to acid
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Burning sensation in the chest
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Indigestion
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Wheezing or whistling sounds due to difficulty in breathing
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Long bouts of hiccups
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Bloated stomach
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Burping
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Bad breath due to acid
Several of these symptoms might happen after a meal or exercise as an effect of acid reflux. Visit our Gastro Hospital in Ghaziabad if you are having the above-mentioned symptoms.
How to Prevent Shortness of Breaths Due to Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux treatment using lifestyle changes is essential in treating shortness of breath. Some recommended acid reflux remedies are:
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Stop smoking
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Maintain healthy body weight and BMI
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Avoid overeating
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Take a note of food items that trigger acid reflux
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Avoid foods rich in fats
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Include fibre-rich food
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Reduce alcohol and caffeinated drinks
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Wear comfortable pants and avoid tight clothes, especially around the abdominal region
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Eat the last meal for the day, at least 2 hours before sleeping
How do Doctors Diagnose Acid Reflux?
Doctors discuss your chronic symptoms and medical history, and a test for GERD may be recommended based on the condition.
Treatment of Acid Reflux
Chronic acid reflux and GERD can damage tissues and cause irreparable damage and illnesses. Consult the leading experts at Manipal Hospitals, Ghaziabad, to find the proper treatment and best medicine for acid reflux that suits your condition.
When Should You Seek an Acid Reflux Treatment?
If more than one episode of acid reflux in a week or if it results in shortness of breath, it is time to consider acid reflux remedies by seeking an appointment with an expert medical practitioner. A doctor analyses the reasons for shortness of breath, and its probable causes and recommends the best medicine for acid reflux and the proper treatment course, including suggestions of lifestyle changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can Acid Reflux Cause Chest Pain?
Yes, acid reflux causes the muscles around the food pipe to tighten. It results in pain around the throat and upper chest.
Chest pain due to acid reflux often feels like having a heart attack. Although, a patient needs to understand that chest pain due to a heart attack spreads to the upper parts of the left arm, back, shoulders and neck. In contrast, chest pain due to chronic acid reflux is mainly behind the sternum, the breast bone or the upper abdomen.
Where there's a doubt, immediately see a doctor without any delay.
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Can Acid Reflux Cause Back Pain?
Yes, back pain after eating or experiencing acid reflux can be related to digestive problems. A patient may try to rest and recover. However, if the pain persists, one must see a doctor.
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Can Acid Reflux Cause Sleep Trouble?
Persistent acid reflux can be a sign of GERD, leading cause of sleep trouble. Effects of acid reflux cause shortness of breath, which may result in sleep apnea- pauses in sleep-time breathing. Also, the symptoms of acid reflux worsen when a patient is lying down because of the acid flowing back, causing a sudden break in sleep. Experts recommend using a sleep wedge or inclined bed that keeps partially upright, reducing the acid reflux symptoms.
Dive deep into jargon-free medical information, and listen to White Coat World, a weekly medical podcast by Manipal Hospitals. You may also read blogs by India's leading medical experts to gather accurate information about topics related to health.
Consultant - Gastroenterology
Manipal Hospitals, Ghaziabad
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