Is it necessary to treat acid reflux because of lung problems?
On One Hand: GERD Can Affect AsthmaGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can have a strong negative effect on asthma patients. GERD has been linked with asthma and might be a cause of, rather than a result of, asthma. Medications used by asthmatics to relax the airways may also relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), contributing to GERD.On the Other: Heartburn Isn’t SeriousHeartburn is relatively easy to treat using over-the-counter antacids or medications to treat symptoms of GERD. If the heartburn is treated early by using antacids, then there is no need to worry about affecting lung conditions. The stomach is already designed to deal with the stomach acid.Bottom LineGERD can stimulate asthma attacks, so it is imperative that asthmatics who suffer from GERD symptoms treat the acid reflux before suffering permanent lung damage. If acid reflux backs up into the lungs, the lungs can suffer tissue damage, which compromises breathing even more.