Does Gerd Cause Breathing Problems?
Condition GERD, or Gastroesophegal Reflux Disease, is a condition in which stomach acid builds up and backs up into other areas of the body. It’s also known as acid reflux or plain old heartburn. The acid most commonly travels upward into the mouth and throat, but it can also travel into the lungs. That is where serious breathing problems can begin. Larynx To get to the lungs, the acid will first need to travel through the larynx, which controls the air flow into the lungs. Once the acid enters the larynx, it can lead to pain, a raspy voice and incessant coughing. But the acid doesn’t stop there, and will often continue its journey into the lungs. Lungs Lungs are very sensitive and not equipped to handle an infiltration of stomach acid. The organ’s sensitive tissue is lined with cilia that help filtrate out any foreign substances, but the stomach acid is just too much to handle. Once the acid starts to enter, the cilia cannot function as they normally do. The lungs will form a barrier
