How to cure shortness of breath due to acid reflux

Acid reflux and shortness of breath can occur together, and acid reflux may even cause shortness of breath. Shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnea, and other respiratory problems are common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

There isn’t a cure for GERD and acid reflux. But several treatment options can help treat their symptoms and prevent flare ups, such as medications and lifestyle strategies. This can help get rid of your shortness of breath, along with other unpleasant symptoms of GERD.

How does acid reflux cause shortness of breath?

Acid reflux happens when your stomach acid flows back to your esophagus. This can happen because the valve that controls the flow of drinks and food into your stomach (called the esophageal sphincter) doesn’t close completely.

The valve doesn’t close completely because the sphincter is weakened and may not be able to tighten all the way. Acid can also flow back to your throat when you lie down right after eating.

This acid in your throat can get into your lungs and inflame them. This can lead to breathing issues and dyspnea.  

There’s a close link between GERD and respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. About 20% of people in the United States have acid reflux.

Estimates for how many people with asthma also have GERD range between 30% and 90%, whereas estimates of GERD in COPD patients range from 19% to 78%. Research suggests that GERD may worsen lung symptoms in people with these conditions, which can include shortness of breath.

Acid reflux can even worsen the symptoms of COPD, according to a 2020 study.

A 2020 study suggests that asthma and GERD have a bidirectional relationship in children, meaning that children with GERD often have asthma, and children with asthma also tend to have GERD.

A 2022 study also suggests that GERD increases the risk of bacterial pulmonary disease, which can cause shortness of breath.

Also, acid reflux can trigger the muscles in your airways to tighten, known as bronchospasm, which leads to coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Other causes of acid reflux and GERD include:

• eating foods like spicy and fatty foods, tomatoes, coffee, and alcohol
• smoking
• overweight and obesity
• pregnancy
• stress and anxiety
• some medications, such as pain relievers like ibuprofen

Aside from shortness of breath, GERD can also lead to other respiratory symptoms like coughing, hoarse voice, and in some cases, fluid in the lungs. Other symptoms of GERD and acid reflux include:

• chest tightness
• difficulty swallowing
• burning in the throat
• bad breath

Treatments for shortness of breath caused by acid reflux

There’s no way to cure acid reflux once and for all, but with the right treatment method, you may be able to manage your shortness of breath and other unpleasant symptoms.

Treatment methods for GERD and acid reflux can include medications and home remedies. A healthcare professional may prescribe you medications and recommend lifestyle measures to manage the symptoms of GERD, including shortness of breath. 

Lifestyle measures

If you have GERD that’s causing you respiratory issues, such as shortness of breath or asthma, you can consider certain lifestyle strategies. These can help you ease symptoms, avoid triggers, and help with the long-term prevention of acid reflux.

Some lifestyle strategies you can consider are:

• eating smaller meals
• avoiding eating fried foods, acidic foods (like tomatoes and citrus fruit), coffee, and carbonated drinks
• avoiding smoking, if you smoke 
• maintaining a moderate weight through a balanced diet and physical activity
• raising your head about 10 to 20 cm when you lie down in bed can prevent stomach acid from flowing back to your throat
• reducing stress and anxiety with practices like meditation and yoga

Medications

Some over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications that can help address symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn include:

• antacids like Maalox, Tums, and Mylanta
• H2 blockers like ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), and cimetidine (Tagamet)
• proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like esomeprazole (Nexium), omeprazole (Prilosec), and rabeprazole (AcipHex)
• prokinetics like metoclopramide (Reglan)

Talk with a doctor if these medications and lifestyle measures do not help relieve your GERD symptoms or if you keep experiencing shortness of breath. A healthcare professional can help determine whether GERD is the reason for your dyspnea or if there’s another cause.

Online care for acid reflux

If you have acid reflux that’s causing shortness of breath or other symptoms, know you’re not alone. It’s a very common condition, and there are many different ways you can treat it.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Summary

Acid reflux and shortness of breath are closely linked.

Acid reflux and GERD can cause shortness of breath because the stomach acid that flows back into your throat and esophagus can irritate your airways, such as your lungs and throat. This can lead to breathing difficulties, coughing, hoarseness in your voice, and difficulty swallowing.

To cure shortness of breath caused by acid reflux, you can take certain medications like antacids and proton pump inhibitors. You can also try strategies like eating smaller meals, avoiding fried foods and alcohol, and maintaining a moderate weight with exercise and a balanced diet.

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