Up to 50% of people with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are likely to develop another common chronic condition called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux or chronic heartburn).
COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a long-term lung disease that blocks airflow and makes it difficult to breathe. In the US today, COPD affects more than 16 million people, and millions more are undiagnosed and untreated.
Lesley Williams, respiratory therapist and Apria’s Market Clinical Trainer says, “GERD can make it harder to manage COPD, which may lead to worsening symptoms and exacerbations. That’s why it’s important to understand GERD and how to treat it.“
GERD is a digestive disorder that affects about 1 in 5 people in the US.
It occurs when the gastric acid in your stomach flows up into your food pipe (esophagus) rather than down into your small intestine. This happens when the valve between your stomach and esophagus doesn’t close properly.
Gastric acid can burn the lining of your esophagus. It can also be inhaled into the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, chronic cough, or interstitial fibrosis. These potential effects make GERD even more severe in people with COPD.
Symptoms of GERD include:
The number one risk factor for GERD—and COPD as well—is smoking.
Other risk factors include:
Lesley also adds, “Women with COPD are more likely to develop GERD than men. Also, older people have an increased risk of GERD.”
Two common symptoms of COPD are labored breathing (dyspnea) and lung hyperinflation (when air gets trapped in the lungs and causes them to overinflate). Research suggests that these symptoms increase pressure on the abdomen, which causes the valve between your esophagus and stomach to malfunction. The result: acid reflux.
GERD may also cause a higher rate of acute COPD exacerbations, including shortness of breath, increased mucus production, a persistent cough, and extreme fatigue with confusion.
It's also thought that some medications used to treat COPD, such as beta-agonists, corticosteroids, and bronchodilators, may weaken the valve between the esophagus and stomach, worsening the symptoms of GERD. This can lead to an increased risk of hospitalization and ventilation for people with COPD.
Like COPD, there is no cure for GERD. But you can take steps to manage it effectively:
Lesley closed in saying, “Of course, always continue your COPD treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
Understanding the consequences of GERD and how to best manage it will help you effectively manage your COPD—and enhance your quality of life.
If you think you have any symptoms of GERD, be sure to talk to your doctor, who can help diagnose and treat it.
We offer custom treatment plans, work closely with your physician’s office care team to manage your COPD through its many stages, deliver a wide range of treatment options, and provide ongoing monitoring to optimize your treatment. Learn more.
References
1. Johnson, C. (2021, July 10). COPD and GERD: What is the link between the two? Carenity. https://www.carenity.us/condition-information/magazine/news/copd-and-gerd-what-is-the-link-between-the-two-1036.
2. Leader, D. (Updated 2022, June 12). Living With GERD and COPD. VeryWell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-common-is-gerd-in-copd-914675#:~:text=2%EF%BB%BF%20GERD%20also%20appears,exacerbation%20if%20you%20have%20COPD.
3. Bryson, S. (2020, March 12). Acid Reflux Linked to Higher Risk of COPD Exacerbations, Review Suggests. COPD News Today. https://copdnewstoday.com/news/gerd-acid-reflux-linked-higher-risk-acute-copd-exacerbations-review-suggests/.
4. MacNaughton, K. (Updated 2020, April). GERD and COPD: What You Need to Know. COPD Net. https://copd.net/clinical/gerd-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease.
5. COPD and GERD. COPD Foundation. https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/COPD-Digest/Article/467/COPD-and-GERD.aspx.
6. Howley, EK. (2017, August 11). What Other Conditions Are Associated With COPD? US News + World Report. https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2017-08-11/what-other-conditions-are-associated-with-copd.
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