How GERD causes asthma symptoms

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may trigger asthma symptoms through a variety of mechanisms.

First, when acid or stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, these substances may stimulate the common neural pathway between the esophagus and trachea, causing constriction of the trachea, which can trigger asthma symptoms. Second, gastric reflux may enter the trachea directly, causing inflammation and spasm of the trachea, leading to asthma attacks. In addition, long-term GERD may lead to airway hyperresponsiveness, making the airway more sensitive to various stimuli, which increases the risk of asthma attacks. Therefore, there is a close relationship between GERD and asthma, and treating GERD may help improve asthma symptoms in patients with both diseases.