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Acid Reflux

Acid reflux or GERD occurs when gas, liquid or food particles in the stomach return back up the esophagus (food tube) into the back of the throat (pharynx), mouth, nose, sinuses, middle ear tube (Eustachian tube), or middle ear. This results in irritation (inflammation) and discomfort of these areas. It is important to note that patients don’t always feel the irritation and the symptoms can be ‘silent’. When this occurs, your doctor might see evidence on your physical exam or note other symptoms that are concerning for reflux.

When the reflux enters the upper airway, it is called laryngeal pharyngeal reflux or LPR. When this occurs, it is called GERD/LPR. Unfortunately, up to 60% of the population will have reflux one or more times per week.

As many as 75% of individuals with asthma are at a higher risk of experiencing acid reflux symptoms. In fact, asthmatics are twice as likely to have GERD. Many severe asthmatics have GERD that makes their asthma more challenging to treat. The stomach contents may trigger nerves associated with asthma (particularly cough) or can actually enter the airways (aspiration) resulting in spasm, irritation and asthma symptoms. For these reasons, reflux needs to be considered in individuals with asthma.

Signs and Symptoms of GERD/LPR

  • Nasal congestion and sometimes runny nose
  • Postnasal drainage
  • Cough
  • Hoarseness (particularly in the morning), throat irritation/burning
  • Unusual or bitter taste in the mouth or the back of the throat (brackish water)
  • Difficulty swallowing or choking (particularly at night)  Recurrent sore throat, pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, or ear infections
  • Constant throat clearing
  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Burning chest pain (can mimic heart attacks)
  • Abdominal fullness, gas, or belching after meals
  • Chest pain, burning or tightness in the chest after lying down or bending over

If GERD/LPR is diagnosed, your physician may recommend using medications to help block the effects of acid secretion. Anti-acids (like Rolaids or Tums) weaken and neutralize the acid in your stomach, but don’t affect the production of acid and don’t work to prevent symptoms. H2 blockers (like Zantac or Pepcid) lessen the production of acid in your stomach and help prevent symptoms. They tend to work longer but are not quick to act so they don’t alleviate symptoms quickly. Proton Pump Inhibitors or PPIs (like Prilosec, omeprazole or Nexium) are longer acting and make acid less prevalent in the gut. They work by preventing symptoms and must be taken on an empty stomach 30 minutes prior to eating.

All medications including those for acid reflux have potential side effects and these can be discussed with your provider.

Measures That May Help Alleviate Symptoms of GERD/LPR:

  • Elevate the head of your bed 6-8 inches (This can be done by placing the top bedposts on cinder blocks or using a wedge under the top of the mattress. Elevating your head on pillows is not as effective.)  Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones.
  • No eating or drinking at least 3-4 hours before bedtime.
  • Drinking fluids of any type before bedtime can result in stretching the stomach opening resulting in reflux.
  • Do not skip meals. This can actually result in a 15% increase in daily caloric intake. Skipping meals usually result in overeating of the remaining meals, which can overfill your stomach and increase acid reflux.
  • Lose weight, if needed. We know that those who are overweight do not respond as well to GERD meds as those who are of healthy weight.
  • Avoid bending over, straining, constipation or wearing tight clothes around the abdomen.

Eliminate the following foods and beverages (totally, if all possible)

  • Caffeinated and/or decaffeinated products
  • Alcohol
  • Carbonated beverages of any type
  • Chocolate
  • Mint (includes gums and toothpaste)
  • All types of citrus
  • Fried foods (includes many spicy or fatty foods)
  • Nicotine of any type
  • Dairy

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Asthma, Allergies and Pregnancy

 

If you are pregnant and have asthma or allergies, you may feel uneasy about taking medications, but it is very important to keep your symptoms under control.

How do you stay healthy and know which medications are best for you during your pregnancy?

An allergist / immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, can tell you which asthma and allergy medications are the safest and most effective to take throughout pregnancy. Make an appointment with an allergist soon after you discover you are pregnant to develop or review your personal treatment plan and to give you peace of mind.

In the meantime, here are answers to some common questions.

Can women with asthma have safe pregnancies?
Yes. With good asthma management, you can keep your asthma under control and have a healthy baby.

How does uncontrolled asthma affect the fetus?
Uncontrolled asthma symptoms can cause a decrease in the amount of oxygen in your blood supply. The fetus gets its oxygen from your blood. Since a fetus needs a constant supply of oxygen for normal growth and development, managing asthma symptoms is very important to allow you and your baby to get enough oxygen.

Is it safe to take my asthma medications?
The risks of asthma flare-ups are greater than the risks of taking necessary asthma medications. Studies show that most inhaled asthma medications are safe for women to use while pregnant. However, oral medications (pills) should be avoided unless necessary to control symptoms. Knowing which medications to take is a good reason to stay in close contact with your allergist so he or she can monitor your condition and alter your medications or dosages if needed.

Will being pregnant affect my asthma symptoms?
Pregnancy may affect the severity of your asthma symptoms. One study showed that asthma symptoms were worse in 35% of pregnant women, improved in 28% and remained the same in 33% of pregnant women. Asthma has a tendency to get worse in the late second and early third trimesters.

Can I continue to get allergy shots during pregnancy?
Allergy shots (a form of immunotherapy) are safe to take while you are pregnant. As always, your allergist will monitor your dose to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction to the shots. These reactions are rare; however, a reaction could be harmful to the fetus. Allergy shots are not started on patients who are pregnant but can be continued on patients who become pregnant while receiving it. Although current immunotherapy doses can be maintained during pregnancy, doses should not be increased until after delivery.

What should I avoid if I have asthma or allergies?
Whether you are pregnant or not, you should stay away from things that trigger your symptoms. This might include dust mites and animal dander, and irritants such as cigarette smoke.

Can women with asthma perform Lamaze?
Most women with asthma are able to do Lamaze breathing techniques without any problems. Asthma symptoms are rare during labor and delivery in women whose asthma has been managed during pregnancy.

Can I breastfeed if I am taking medications for my asthma or allergies?
Breastfeeding is a good way to increase your child's immunity, and it is strongly recommended. Medications recommended for use during pregnancy can be continued while nursing, because the baby gets less maternal medicine through breast milk than in the womb. Your allergist can discuss with you the best treatments while nursing.

Healthy Tips
Although these are common questions during pregnancy, each patient's individual treatment varies. It is best to visit your allergist regularly during pregnancy so that any worsening of asthma can be countered by appropriate changes in your asthma management plan. Make sure to discuss any specific concerns with your physician to ensure the healthiest pregnancy for your well being and that of your baby.

• You can have a healthy pregnancy if you have asthma or allergies.
• Managing your symptoms is very important during pregnancy.
• Do not stop taking your medications.
• An allergist has special training to develop or review a treatment plan that is right for you while you are pregnant.

 www.aaaai.org

 

The post Asthma, Allergies and Pregnancy appeared first on Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic.

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