GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a disease caused by stomach acid that continuously rises into the esophagus. This condition is caused by weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) muscles.
If left untreated, GERD sufferers can experience various complications, such as esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and lung problems. So, what are the serious lung diseases caused by GERD?
How Can GERD Trigger Serious Lung Disease?
GERD can trigger serious lung problems. There are two ways GERD sufferers experience lung disease, namely:
1. Microaspiration
People with GERD can experience serious lung problems if stomach acid accidentally enters the lungs. The dirt in the stomach acid can cause lung infections.
This condition occurs when the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) muscle of the sufferer is very weak. The sufferer can experience chronic cough, bronchitis, and aspiration pneumonia.
2. Vagal Reflex
The second way is not directly related to the entry of foreign objects into the lungs. However, this condition is caused by stomach acid rising and triggering inflammation of the vagus nerve.
This irritation reaction to the vagus nerve then disrupts the function of regulating breathing and digestion. As a result, sufferers will experience coughing, worsening asthma, and bronchoconstriction.
Lung Problems Caused by GERD
Other disease complications caused by GERD are as follows:
1. Bronchoconstriction
Narrowing of the airways or bronchoconstriction can also be caused by GERD. This condition is caused by irritation that occurs in the vagus nerve, so that the airways are disturbed.
Symptoms of this condition include chest pain, shortness of breath, sore throat, cough, stomach ache, and wheezing. Control your GERD condition to prevent and relieve symptoms of bronchoconstriction.
2. Asthma
Asthma and GERD can both worsen each other's conditions. If GERD is left untreated, asthma symptoms become increasingly uncontrolled. Conversely, asthma medications weaken the valve muscles.
This condition can be caused by two things, namely irritation of the vagus nerve and microaspiration. Irritation of the vagus nerve can cause narrowing of the airways and cause asthma symptoms.
Microaspiration can also cause asthma to worsen due to the formation of wounds in the lung tissue. Therefore, it is important for sufferers to treat GERD properly so that asthma symptoms do not get worse.
3. Aspiration Pneumonia
This disease is caused by dirt entering the lungs and causing inflammation. Aspiration pneumonia is characterized by symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and fever.
If left untreated, this condition can lead to other more serious diseases, namely lung abscess and damage to the bronchi. To avoid this condition, avoid eating while lying down and maintain your GERD condition.
4. Bronchitis
GERD can also cause bronchitis. The condition of rising stomach acid causes irritation in the throat. This irritation then makes the respiratory tract more susceptible to bronchitis.
Both GERD and bronchitis can be triggered by smoking. It is better to avoid smoking and its smoke, so that you can avoid these two diseases.
5. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
This condition is characterized by thickening of lung tissue due to the appearance of scar tissue without a clear cause. However, the entry of foreign objects into the lungs is suspected to be the cause of this condition.
If GERD is left untreated and foreign objects enter the lungs continuously, inflammation will continue to occur and cause wounds. The condition will continue with the formation of scar tissue and then fibrosis.
GERD can cause this disease, conversely fibrosis can also trigger the upper esophageal sphincter to become weaker, increasing the frequency of microaspiration.
GERD Symptoms to Watch Out For
For those of you who suffer from GERD, you should be aware of the following symptoms to avoid complications of other diseases. Recognize the following GERD symptoms:
- Cough
- Sore throat and hoarseness
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Pain when swallowing
- Mouth smells and tastes sour.
Prevent GERD by Maintaining Body Health
Your body's organs are a series of systems that work as one and are interconnected. If GERD symptoms worsen without proper treatment, other problems such as serious lung disease can occur.
GERD is very preventable. The way is to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle and control anxiety.
Consult a doctor immediately if GERD symptoms worsen, especially if other worrying symptoms appear. The doctor will help you with the right treatment so that your condition improves.
Article written by dr. Jimsfield Farly Mangulu, Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist, EMC Sentul Hospital).