Acid reflux and wheezing

Reflux reaching the throat can irritate tissues around the upper airway and trigger coughing. Nerve reflexes linked to the oesophagus may also contribute to airway narrowing in susceptible people. Symptoms that follow meals or worsen when lying flat can offer a clue, but that pattern does not prove reflux is the cause.

Wheezing is a musical or whistling sound caused by narrowed airways. Asthma, respiratory infections, allergic reactions and other heart or lung problems can produce it, sometimes alongside reflux.

Sit upright and use any prescribed reliever inhaler exactly as directed. Do not replace an inhaler with an indigestion remedy. For associated reflux, choose smaller meals, avoid lying down soon after eating and note whether wheeze follows food, exercise, dust, smoke, cold air or sleep.

Arrange a clinical review for recurrent wheeze. Bring details of its timing, any cough or sour taste, and all medicines you use. The clinician may need to examine your breathing rather than treating the symptom as reflux alone.

Call emergency services if breathing is severely difficult, you cannot speak comfortably, your lips or face look blue or grey, you feel faint or confused, or a prescribed reliever is not helping as expected. Sudden wheeze with swelling of the lips or tongue, hives, or throat tightness may be a severe allergic reaction.

Prompt medical assessment is also appropriate for a first episode, worsening night symptoms, chest pain, fever with breathing difficulty, or wheeze that keeps returning.

Ask whether you need lung function testing, an inhaler review or a trial of reflux treatment. Mention exposure to smoke or allergens, recent infections, symptoms during exercise, and whether coughing wakes you at night.