severe heartburn and asthma often go hand-in-hand. recent studies show that up to 89% of those with asthma also suffer from severe heartburn known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (gerd). gerd generally occurs at night when the sufferer is lying down. normally a valve between the esophagus and stomach prevents stomach acids from backing up into the esophagus. in gerd the valve does not function properly. the stomach acids reflux or back up into the esophagus; if the acid reaches into the throat or airways the irritation and inflammation can trigger an asthma attack. certain clues that suggest reflux as the cause of asthma include the onset of asthma in adulthood no family history of asthma no history of allergies or bronchitis difficult-to-control asthma or coughing while lying down. if your doctor suspects this problem he or she may recommend specific tests to look for it.
can heartburn “trigger” asthma?