Depending on your symptoms and their severity, doctors will recommend certain treatments for managing GERD with asthma. Many of these treatments are the same as those used for GERD without asthma, and some are more specific to asthma symptoms. Here are the most common treatments.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
“These reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces, helping to prevent acid from irritating your esophagus and potentially triggering asthma symptoms,” Medina-Centeno says. They’re a common GERD treatment used for people with and without asthma.
H2 Blockers
“These decrease acid production in the stomach, though not as strongly as PPIs,” Medina-Centeno says. “They can be used for milder symptoms or in combination with other treatments.”
Antacids
These over-the-counter medications (such as Tums) can neutralize stomach acid and provide short-term relief. “They are often used for immediate symptom relief but not as a long-term solution,” Medina-Centeno says.
Inhalers
If the above GERD treatments don’t eliminate asthma symptoms, a pulmonologist may prescribe corticosteroid or albuterol inhalers to manage symptoms like coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath, Martin says.
Dietary Modifications
Although there’s not a specific “GERD diet” that everyone needs to follow, spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods are common triggers for GERD, so your doctor may recommend that you avoid them, Medina-Centeno says. Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of larger ones and avoiding food within a few hours of bedtime can also help reduce acid reflux, he says.
Adjusting Your Sleep Position
“Elevate the head of your bed by about 6 to 8 inches to help prevent acid from flowing back into the esophagus while you sleep,” Medina-Centeno says.
Avoiding Asthma Triggers
Lifestyle habits like smoking and certain allergens can trigger asthma symptoms. An allergist can help you determine which allergens you may be sensitive to.
