Is there a connection between asthma and acid reflux?

Answer From James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D.

Asthma and acid reflux often occur together. It isn't clear why, but it's known that acid reflux can worsen asthma and asthma can worsen acid reflux — especially severe acid reflux, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Asthma and acid reflux can occur together in children as well as in adults. In fact, about half the children with asthma also have GERD.

Treating acid reflux might help ease symptoms. You may be able to control acid reflux with over-the-counter medications — for example, a proton pump inhibitor, such as omeprazole (Prilosec OTC). Avoiding reflux triggers, such as fatty foods, alcohol and tobacco, also might help.

If that's not enough, you might need prescription medications. If you have asthma and think you might have acid reflux, talk to your doctor about the best treatments.

In some cases, asthma medications can worsen acid reflux. This is particularly true of theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theochron). But don't quit taking or change asthma medications without getting your doctor's OK first.

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March 30, 2023 See more Expert Answers

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  3. Allergy shots
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  6. Asthma attack
  7. Asthma diet
  8. Asthma inhalers: Which one's right for you?
  9. Asthma: Colds and flu
  10. Asthma medications
  11. Asthma: Testing and diagnosis
  12. Asthma treatment: 3 steps
  13. Cervical cerclage
  14. Churg-Strauss syndrome
  15. COVID-19: Who's at higher risk of serious symptoms?
  16. CT scan
  17. Exercise and chronic disease
  18. Exercise-induced asthma
  19. Intermittent fasting
  20. Laser eye surgery
  21. Methacholine challenge test
  22. Nitric oxide test for asthma
  23. Occupational asthma
  24. Ozone air purifiers
  25. Prednisone risks, benefits
  26. Prednisone withdrawal: Why taper down slowly?
  27. Shortness of breath
  28. Spirometry
  29. Symptom Checker
  30. Asthma attack video
  31. Dry powder disk inhaler
  32. Dry powder tube inhaler
  33. Video: How to use a peak flow meter
  34. Single-dose dry powder inhaler
  35. Using a metered dose asthma inhaler and spacer
  36. Vocal cord dysfunction
  37. What is aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD)?
  38. Wheezing
  39. X-ray