Worsening asthma symptoms at night or immediately after meals is suggestive of GERD, although these patterns are not always present for all people with GERD. Acid reflux should also be considered for people with recurrent pneumonias and sinus infections. Sometimes obstructive sleep apnea can occur frequently with severe nighttime GERD that is resistant to medications and can also lead to asthma, sinus infections, shortness of breath and coughing, in addition to other chronic medical problems.
Treatment of GERD for many severe asthmatics results in better control of their asthma symptoms. Medications, such as antihistamines (specifically for the stomach) or proton-pump inhibitors, are often effective in the treatment of GERD. In severe cases of GERD related to difficult-to-treat asthma, medications may not be effective. In these situations, surgical treatment of GERD may prove effective for the treatment of severe asthma.
Learn more about the basics of asthma.
Source:
Rothenberg SS, Bratton D. The Effects of Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication to Enhance Pulmonary Function in the Treatment of a Patient with Severe Asthma and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008;121:1069-70.
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