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What’s the Connection Between Asthma & Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease (GERD)?

70%of
Shortness
of Breath
Sour
Taste
all people Burping
with asthma
also have
Gastroesophageal Eating Heartburn
reflux disease

Stomach contents
flow back into the GERD can make
esophagus and may asthma symptoms worse
cause heartburn, burping
or a sour taste in the
mouth, or no symptoms Treating
(silent reflux) GERD
can improve
asthma
symptoms

Asthma and some asthma

Stomach contents can
medications may aggravate
irritate the lining of the
GERD symptoms
throat, airways and lungs

Asthma May Be Related to GERD When:

Asthma symptoms Asthma symptoms You are

follow a large meal are worse during sleep regularly hoarse

You have Asthma does Your asthma is

frequent coughing not respond to not well controlled
asthma medications

Tips for Managing Asthma and GERD

Do________________________________________ Don’t______________
Eat small, more frequent meals. Eat two to three
hours before bedtime.
Limit citrus, tomato products, strong spices, caffeine,
carbonated drinks, fatty foods, chocolate, mint and alcohol. Wear belts or
Elevate the head of your bed a few inches or use a clothes that are tight
wedge-shaped pillow. fitting around the waist.

Maintain a reasonable weight. Smoke.

Relax and manage stress.
Take asthma medications consistently.
Control exposure to asthma triggers.

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