At Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group, we are in the business of helping patients who have allergies, asthma, and a host of other conditions. What we’ve learned over the years is that many people don’t realize how much one condition can impact another condition. Read on to learn more about the specific concerns about a person who has both acid reflux and asthma, and then reach out to us at 805-658-9500 to set up an appointment.
Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, is a condition that affects the tissues that line the esophagus. A person with acid reflux will have symptoms such as a sensation of burning in their esophagus and feeling as though there’s food stuck behind their breastbone. In more serious – and rarer – cases, a person may also have a sore throat, they may wheeze, they may cough, they may have a hard time swallowing, and they may be hoarse when they try to speak.
Anyone with either acid reflux or asthma can end up experiencing them together. In fact, it’s much more common in children than adults. Studies have shown that as many as half of children who have asthma will also have severe acid reflux.
Today there’s no clear understanding of what the science is behind the link, but what is clear is that a person who has both asthma and acid reflux is likely to experience a more severe form of both of them than they would if they only had one. As a result, if you have asthma and start to feel the symptoms of acid reflux, you should contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group right away. Likewise, if you have acid reflux and start to feel that you’re experiencing asthma symptoms, then you’ll want to make an appointment.
The good news is that there is help out there for you. At Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group, we have the experience and knowledge about how these two interact with each other. If you’ve had acid reflux and have either had a cough that won’t go away or you’ve had asthma, then treating your acid reflux could be enough to make the cough and / or asthma go away. If you have asthma and your acid reflux has just started, then treating the asthma may be the answer for the acid reflux as well.
The reality is that there isn’t a single treatment that works for everyone. A lot depends on your medical history, other conditions you may have, and what medications you’re on. The best way to get individual advice for your unique situation is to reach out to Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500. We can provide a full assessment and find the right treatment for your unique situation.