Can Gerd Cause Bronchitis Symptoms?

When we eat, the food travels from the mouth to the stomach through a muscular tube called the esophagus. The stomach and esophagus are connected by a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is normally closed. When food approaches the LES the muscle opens to allow the food to enter the stomach.

The respiratory system is a group of airway passages, lungs, blood vessels and muscles that enable you to breath. The airways are like pipes that carry air from the nose to the lungs through the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes enter the lungs then branch off into smaller and smaller passageways, eventually ending in extremely small air sacs called alveoli. The sections where the primary bronchi branch off are called the bronchial tree. The back of the throat contains the air passage, the food passage (esophagus) and a flap of cartilage just above the larynx called the epiglottis. The epiglottis acts like a valve to keep food from entering the air passage when we swallow.

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is a chronic condition where the stomach contents "reflux" or back up into the esophagus. This occurs because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly. The contents of the stomach are very acidic and irritate the sensitive lining of the esophagus. This causes a burning sensation similar to lemon juice squirted into your eye. Most people experience pain and burning in their chest and throat, calling it acid indigestion or heartburn. When heartburn occurs frequently this is known as GERD. Untreated GERD can lead to other health problems such as ulcers of the esophagus, chronic cough, sinus or middle ear fluid buildup, asthma, lung infection, and bronchitis. Obesity, pregnancy, and smoking contribute to GERD. Certain common foods also contribute to GERD. This includes chocolate, fatty foods, fried foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, peppermint and other mint flavorings, garlic, onions, tomato-based foods such as spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili, and pizza, as well as caffeine and alcohol.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the linings of the bronchial tubes. It can come from an infection of the respiratory system, such as a cold, or exposure to external airborne irritants, such as cigarette smoke and household cleaners. Bronchitis may also occur from GERD. A primary sign of bronchitis is an accumulation of green or yellowish-gray mucus that comes up with a cough. If left untreated, the linings of the bronchial tubes may become permanently thickened, leading to shortness of breath, continual cough, pneumonia, asthma and other serious health problems.

Treatment for GERD requires a combination of changes in lifestyle and medication. For example, your doctor may recommend that you lose weight, quit smoking, and cut out or reduce intake of the foods mentioned above, as well as trying a course of medication. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. A procedure called fundoplication tightens the LES by surgically wrapping part of the stomach around the lower esophagus. Endoscopy is another procedure where the LES is made tighter by laser or by hand-stitching. Treatment for bronchitis usually requires plenty of rest, drink a lot of fluids, and over-the-counter cough medicine. Your doctor may also counsel you to stop smoking, avoid second-hand smoke, discontinue use of offending household products, and the use of a humidifier.