What effect does acid reflux have on the lungs? acid reflux can cause pulmonary complications such as cough, asthma and aspiration refluxed liquid can cause coughing by stimulating nerves that provok. Acid reflux effects on lungs. Acid reflux is known to most as a digestive disorder, with its main symptom being heartburn but in its chronic form, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (gerd), its effects can extend well beyond the digestive tract severe gerd can contribute to serious respiratory disorders including asthma, bronchitis and inflammation of the lungs.
acid reflux effects on lungs
Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, occurs with gerd because stomach acid that creeps into the esophagus can enter the lungs, particularly during sleep, and cause swelling of the airways. A lot of reflux is needed to damage the esophagus, but very little reflux can severely damage the more sensitive throat, sinuses and lungs. many people with silent reflux have never even once experienced classic heartburn. how the term “silent reflux” came to be is instructive. in 1987, walter bo, a medical school colleague, was my patient.. Unfortunately, what occurs is a vicious cycle in which the acid reflux of gerd can cause an increase in not only copd symptoms but trigger flare-ups as well. compounding the issue is that acid from the stomach can get into the lungs. the connection between copd and gerd.