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02 January 2021
Brenda Carla Lima Araújo, Thales Rafael Correia de Melo Lima, Silvia de Magalhães Simões
volume 9, Article number: 15535
Why Gerd May Trigger Asthma
One possibility is that the repeated flow of stomach acid into the esophagus damages the lining of the throat and the airways to the lungs. This can lead to breathing difficulties as well as a persistent cough.
The frequent exposure to acid may also make the lungs more sensitive to irritants, such as dust and pollen, which are all known to trigger asthma.
Another possibility is that acid reflux may trigger a protective nerve reflex. This nerve reflex causes the airways to tighten in order to prevent the stomach acid from entering the lungs. The narrowing of the airways can result in asthmatic symptoms, such as shortness of breath.
Can Acid Reflux Cause Fever And Chills
Sustained esophagus damage from bile regurgitation can lead to esophagitis, which is the inflammation of the esophagus. Esophagitis can also be caused by infections, abuse of oral medication, and allergies.
Reflux esophagitis is a complication of acid reflux, leading to tissue damage and inflammation. Patients with infectious esophagitis may experience fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches. Dealing with acid reflux trigger often alleviates esophagitis symptoms.
On the other hand, acid reflux alone doesnt cause fever and chills.
If you are not diagnosed with GERD or esophagitis but are experiencing fever and chills with reflux symptoms, get in touch with your doctor immediately to get more information. You could be experiencing a severe bacterial infection and need antibiotics to get well.
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What Causes Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip is a common problem where you feel mucus draining from your nose into your throat. Although this happens normally, with postnasal drip, theres a lot more mucus than usual, and it can feel like its collecting in your throat.
Many people associate postnasal drip with respiratory illnesses, but you can also develop postnasal drip from:
- medications that cause mucus to thicken
Are There Any Diagnostic Tests
A gastroenterologist may decide to order some additional tests to evaluate your GERD. A Barium swallow is a series of x-ray films that monitor dye as it travels through the stomach. A PH monitoring test is a 24-hour test to record the acid flow back into the esophagus and even the throat. A small flexible tube is placed in the stomach through the nose and is connected to a small computer to record 24-hour acid reflux. Endoscopy is sometimes performed to evaluate the esophagus for damage from acid burns and to examine the stomach for irritation and ulceration.
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What We Know About Eoe
In the word of gastroenterology, EoEwhich manifests usually in difficulty swallowing solid food, food getting stuck and sometimes heartburn and chest painis a hot topic. It doesnt get as much press as you would expect but it seems to be increasing in incidence, Dr. Gabbard says. We also dont completely understand why it occurs. The thinking is that it may be due to genetics and environmental exposure. Interestingly, EoE is diagnosed only with an endoscopy. Typically you shouldnt see eosinophils in the lining of the esophagus, but patients with asthma have high numbers of these allergic cells in their airways, Dr. Gabbard says. With EoE, some sort of allergic response causes a large amount of these eosinophils to come into the lining of the esophagus which can affect the ability of the esophagus to squeeze food into the stomach.
Can Acid Reflux Cause Allergy Like Symptoms
Can Acid Reflux Cause Allergy like SymptomsCan Acid Reflux Cause Allergy like SymptomsCan Acid Reflux Cause Allergy like SymptomsCredit : Acid Reflux Gnawing StomachNatural Remedy For Acid Reflux , Heartburn and Gerd.Can Acid Reflux Cause Allergy like SymptomsCan Norvasc Cause Acid Reflux{var1Natural Remedy For Acid Reflux , Heartburn and Gerd.Readmore…Diet For Acid Reflux And Gas
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Arm Pain: Heartburn Or Something Else
Heart attack survivors often recount their first symptom as a heartburn-like sensation. Many patients explicitly use the word heartburn when recounting their cardiac experience. Patients often realize that their heartburn is in fact not reflux-related but heart-related when:
- There is a pain radiating up the arm, specifically the left arm
- They have no history of acid reflux
- There is a burning sensation in the chest
- They have not eaten anything prior to the pain
- The pain doesnt go away with antacid
If your heartburn symptoms dont go away after taking an antacid, and are accompanied by arm pain and back pain, we suggest going to an emergency facility immediately to get medical help.
Rare Symptoms Of Acid Reflux: When You Should Be Worried
Acid reflux may be a common gastrointestinal problem, but it turns out its symptoms are not always that common. From headaches to nerve pain, there are uncommon acid reflux symptoms that can cause alarm and panic to patients.
So, what are rare acid reflux symptoms? Headaches, dizziness, asthma symptoms, and nerve pain are among those considered to be uncommon but safe acid reflux symptoms. On the other hand, fever and intense pain accompanied by left arm pain are just two examples of potential medical emergencies for reflux patients.
Read on to learn more about the lesser known acid reflux symptoms, and whether or not they pose a health risk.
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Can Postnasal Drip Cause Gerd
Its unlikely for postnasal drip to cause GERD. As mentioned above, GERD is primarily a problem with the muscles that separate your esophagus from your stomach. But many things can increase the irritation in your esophagus or trigger the overproduction of stomach acids.
Mucus from postnasal drip is just one of the many fluids that pass through the esophagus each day. Mucus production triggered by viral illnesses or other infections can irritate the lining of the throat, making it more sensitive to damage from stomach acids. You may also develop a cough with postnasal drip that could further irritate the tissue in your esophagus.
So, although postnasal drip probably wont cause GERD, it can still leave you with an uncomfortable feeling in your esophagus.
What Are The Differences Between Gerd Heartburn And Acid Reflux
While the medical terms GERD, heartburn and acid reflux are often used interchangeably, they are different ailments that are related to each other. Acid reflux is a common condition that affects approximately 20 percent of people in the United States. Frequent and severe acid reflux can be an indication of GERD, which can cause serious health complications if left untreated.
Heartburn, on the other hand, is a symptom of both acid reflux and GERD. The sensation causes an uncomfortable burning pain in the chest, typically in result of eating certain foods.
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Children With Acid Reflux
Acid reflux can affect children and infants, as well as adolescents and adults.
Infants with acid reflux may refuse to eat or be unable to gain weight. They may have breathing difficulties or pain after eating.
The cause may be spending long periods lying down or an underdeveloped esophagus. Also, some experts believe that the length of the esophagus, the condition of the muscles in the lower esophagus, and pinching of the fibers in the diaphragm may influence the development of this condition in children.
Children may also be sensitive to certain foods that affect the valve-like mechanism between the esophagus and the stomach.
When children have acid reflux, doctors may
Are There Rare Acid Reflux Symptoms
Although a common gastrointestinal condition, not all acid reflux symptoms are shared by patients. Some only experience heartburn and regurgitation, which are two distinct signs of acid reflux. Others may exhibit symptoms that stray from the usual list.
Listed below are some of the usual concerns on uncommon acid reflux symptoms. Keep in mind that the majority of these are caused by chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease and may not be relevant to patients with temporary acid reflux.
If so, a separate issue not related to acid reflux may be the cause of the following symptoms:
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What Is Silent Reflux
Acid reflux generally implies indigestion, say from eating spicy or acidic foods, or gastroesophageal reflux disease , a closely related yet chronic disorder with several causes. On the contrary, silent refluxofficially known as laryngopharyngeal reflux, or LPRisn’t characterized by the same symptoms of burning or stomach distress. Instead of the typical signs, silent reflux has its own symptoms.
Like regular acid reflux, silent reflux still occurs when stomach acid inadvertently flows up to the esophagus. This irritates your throat, causing the cough and post-nasal drip as well as hoarseness in the morning. It can also lead to a chronic need to clear your throat and the sensation that there’s a lump in your throatbecause as stomach acid irritates the esophagus, mucous membranes in the throat will produce more mucous than usual, explained Jamie Koufman, MD, director of the Voice Institute of New York and author of Dropping Acid: The Reflux Diet Cookbook & Cure.
What Causes Gerd Heartburn And Acid Reflux
Acid reflux and GERD both occur when stomach acid travels back up into the esophagus. The acidic contents in your stomach go through the lower esophageal sphincter , which causes the sensation of heartburn. Typically, the diaphragm and LES keeps stomach acids from rising from the stomach. When this muscle is weak or loose, it can cause acid reflux, and potentially GERD.
These conditions and their symptoms can be triggered by multiple factors. Overeating or laying down after eating is often problematic. Some other risk factors include:
- Eating large portions of food at once
- Consuming acidic, fatty or spicy foods
- Drinking alcohol, coffee or tea
- Certain medications
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Sore Throat And Blocked Ears
Acid reflux symptoms like throat lump and blocked, painful ears from acid seeping into esophagus are also common. You may think your sore throat may be a result of a respiratory infection or cold, but it can actually be caused by gastric problems. Notice if your throat hurts particularly after eating your mealsthats a clear indication that acid reflux is to be blamed. Also, if you dont develop other flu-like symptoms like sneezing and coughing, but only have soreness in the throat and blocked ears, its a classic sign of GERD.
Treating Acid Reflux Disease
If your doctor has diagnosed you with acid reflux disease, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms on your own. Small lifestyle changes, such as avoiding food or beverages that trigger acid reflux, can help keep you comfortable. Other steps you can take may be:
- Starting a weight loss program if you are overweight
- Sleeping in a chair or upright position for naps
- Raising the head of your bed 4-6 inches with blocks
- Eating smaller meals, and eating more frequently throughout the day
- Quitting smoking
- Refraining from eating for 2-3 hours before bed
You should also discuss with your doctor if any medications may be causing your condition. They may also have suggestions about steps to take to manage your acid reflux, and can recommend the best course of treatment. Your doctor might decide to recommend medication for you. These medications work to control acid reflux through a number of methods, and include:
- H2 Blockers, such as Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac. These decrease acid production.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors, such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex, and Nexium. These reduce acid production as well.
- Foaming agents, such as Gavascon. These coat your stomach to prevent reflux.
- Prokinetics, such as Reglan and Urecholine. These help strengthen the LES, empty your stomach faster, and reduce the amount of acid produced.
- Antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, or Riopan. These neutralize stomach acid.
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How Do I Treat Acid Reflux Or Allergies
An ideal way to treat your symptoms is to take steps to reduce acid reflux. Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine. Cut out mints, chocolate, and fried or fatty foods. Try to avoid lying down for two to three hours after eating. Sleeping with your head elevated about six inches can also help prevent acid from coming up the esophagus.
If you do have acid reflux and your avoidance techniques arent working, medicines may help. Many over-the-counter medicines are available, and if they arent working your doctor could prescribe something stronger.
An allergy test will diagnose if you have allergies to pollen or other substances. Your personal medical history can help determine if you might have EoE, although further tests by a gastrointestinal doctor would be needed to confirm that diagnosis, Dr. Lewis said.
If you do have a pollen allergy, your doctor can help you come up with a treatment plan, which can include anything from avoidance to over-the-counter medicines to immunotherapy.
Remember, you may have both allergies and acid reflux, so just because youve been diagnosed with one doesnt mean you might not still need care for the other. Fortunately, CEENTAs ENT doctors can determine if you have either condition and help you get the care you need.
How Is Gerd Diagnosed
Frequent acid reflux and heartburn may be an indicator of GERD, which is a serious condition and requires medical attention for treatment. While there are some temporary treatments to help with occasional acid reflux, you should consult a physician when the acid reflux occurs frequently throughout the day or week.
In most cases GERD can be diagnosed by a physician based on the patients symptoms. Sometimes the doctor requests that their patient jots down their food intake and symptoms in a food diary. A food diary is useful for the doctor to analyze the foods you consume and compare it against your symptoms to see if theres a relationship between the two. If the diagnosis is still unclear, the doctor can suggest the following tests to diagnose GERD:
- Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- Manometry, or Esophageal Motility Testing
- 24-Hour Ambulatory Acid Probe Test
Unfortunately, you cannot diagnose GERD with a simple blood test.
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Could Your Sore Throat Be Caused By Acid Reflux
Jun 20, 2018 | Ear Nose Throat, Health Tips, Your Health
Have you had a cough, tickle in the throat, itchy throat, or raspy voice that will not go away despite not having a cold or feeling sick? Is excess mucus causing you to clear your throat so often that it is annoying and, at times, embarrassing? Many who suffer from these symptoms are treated by doctors and urgent care physicians with allergy medications, nasal sprays, decongestants, and even antibiotics. Despite this, symptoms do not get better. Often these symptoms are not caused by allergies, a sinus infection, or a cold, but by laryngopharyngeal reflux . Also called airway reflux, reflux laryngitis, or atypical reflux, LPR is one of the most common diseases of the 21st century. Unlike gastroesophageal reflux disease , which primarily affects the esophagus, LPR will affect the larynx and pharynxyour voice production system. Lissette Giraud, MD, provides insight into and answers common questions about this widespread condition.
What causes LPR?
It is commonly accepted that this condition is caused by reflux of acid or bile. GERD symptoms like heartburn are not typical of the condition but may appear. The most common symptoms of LPR are hoarseness, sore throat, excess mucus in the throat, persistent cough, asthma-like, symptoms , postnasal drip, sensation of a lump in the throat, difficulties swallowing, and ear pain. However, LPR presents differently in each person.
When should I see a doctor?
Your Childs Allergies Could Be Caused By Acid Reflux
Lots of kids and adults alike find themselves sniffling and blowing their nose more often this time of year due to seasonal allergies. But sometimes, these symptoms may be caused by something else entirely, according to a doctor at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.
Dr. Karen Zur, an ear, nose and throat specialist at CHOP, said a form of acid reflux can be responsible for a host of respiratory ailments, including allergies, that are often misdiagnosed. Zur co-authored a new book that calls attention to this kind of respiratory reflux in children and recommends a low-acid diet to clear up the breathing problems that can result from it.
Many people think of acid reflux as synonymous with heartburn. But the acidic content of our stomachs can be spewed up past the esophagus and higher up into the respiratory system without causing that familiar burning sensation. This is sometimes called silent reflux, and Zur said children who have it have often already been diagnosed with another condition.
After a thorough history from them and an examination, you can determine that maybe its not allergies, maybe they dont need to be on all these medicines, maybe we need to address some of their eating habits, Zur said.
She wants more doctors to become aware that acid reflux can be implicated in respiratory issues, and she recommends they give careful consideration to what their pediatric patients eat.
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Its Possible To Have Overlapping Symptoms
With GERD and EoE sharing so many symptoms, how do you know which one you have? If you tend to experience these symptoms in spring and summer and you dont get any relief from antacids or acid-suppressing drugs, ask your doctor to order an endoscopy to see just how irritated your esophagus is. When I see a patient having difficulty swallowing or pain without swallowing, it can often be EoE, says Alexandra Guillaume, MD, a gastroenterologist at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York. It happens when the eosinophilsreacting to some sort of allergyoverwhelm the esophagus, leading the esophagus itself to become spastic. This makes it difficult for patients to swallow.
