GERD and difficulty breathing

Stomach contents reaching the throat can irritate nearby tissues and trigger cough, throat clearing, wheezing-like sensations or a feeling of tight breathing. Reflux can also cause chest burning or tightness that feels alarming. These symptoms are not specific to GERD: asthma, infection, heart problems, anxiety and other lung conditions can cause them. A chronic cough, hiatus hernia or obesity may coexist with reflux, but breathing difficulty should not be assigned to reflux without an assessment.

Stop activity, sit upright and loosen tight clothing. Notice whether symptoms follow meals, lying down or particular foods, and record cough, wheeze, chest discomfort and palpitations. Use a prescribed inhaler or reflux medicine only as directed. Avoid lying flat after eating and avoid smoking or other known triggers. If the sensation is new, recurrent or interfering with normal activity, arrange a medical review even if it improves.

Call emergency services for severe or worsening breathlessness, inability to speak normally, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, severe chest pressure, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm, back or jaw. Prompt assessment is also needed for coughing blood, a high fever, or breathing symptoms after a possible allergic reaction. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or severely short of breath.

Could reflux explain the timing of my breathing symptoms? Should my lungs and heart be checked? Do I need treatment for acid reflux, chronic cough or a hiatus hernia? Which warning signs should make me seek emergency help?