Can GERD cause wheezing?

Reflux reaching the throat can cause coughing, hoarseness, throat clearing and irritation that feels like noisy breathing. Symptoms may be worse after eating or lying down. Wheezing is also a common presentation of asthma, and can occur with acute bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, COPD or bronchiolitis. Anaphylaxis may cause sudden wheeze with swelling, hives, vomiting or throat tightness. The sound, timing, age, triggers and response to prescribed treatment help a clinician identify the cause.

Write down when wheezing occurs and whether it follows food, exercise, dust, pets, a cold or bedtime. Avoid lying down soon after eating and follow your prescribed reflux treatment. Avoid smoke and other known irritants. Do not borrow an inhaler or nebuliser treatment. Book an assessment if wheezing returns, interrupts sleep, or comes with a persistent cough; your clinician may examine your chest and check for variable airflow.

Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, faintness, inability to speak normally, or rapidly worsening wheeze. Sudden wheeze with facial, tongue or throat swelling may be anaphylaxis. Sit upright while waiting for help and use your own prescribed reliever plan if you have one.

Does the timing suggest reflux or airway narrowing? Could I have asthma or an allergy? Do I need breathing tests? What is my emergency plan if wheezing suddenly worsens?