Asian woman having or symptomatic reflux acids

Reflux and the Lung

Coughing, lung scarring, wheezing, sore throats and voice problems can all be related to liquid and vapours rising out of the stomach into the back of the throat.

How can Reflux from the stomach cause respiratory problems?

Liquid and gas sit in the stomach, in a sac like structure. There is a valve at the neck of the stomach which should keep the stomach contents in their place. If the valve is loose, liquid and vapours can lift out of the stomach and up the swallowing tube or oesophagus into the back of the throat. Some escapes into the bronchial tubes and into the lungs causing problems.

How can I get tested?

Sore throat
Hoarse voice
Asthma symptoms
Cough
Recurrent Chest Infections
Pneumonia
Bronchiectasis
Pulmonary Fibrosis

Overhead view of a stethoscope and a heart

How can I get tested?

The story you tell the doctor may be enough to warrant a trial of treatment and lifestyle modifications.. In other causes specific tests are needed to look at the effects on the lung as well as capture when the reflux is happening.

What treatment can I have?

Lifestyle changes are always suggested first before using medicines to help. If the medicines are not effective or a more definitive treatment is desired then new minimally invasive surgical options are available