Shortness Of Breath
Question: Can acid reflux cause shortness of
breath and chest tightening?
Answer: Shortness of breath, also know as
"dyspnea" (disp-knee-ah), has many possible causes. Many people think
dyspnea is caused by their heart or lungs, but acid reflux is a very common
cause--one that is often overlooked in patients with no history of heart or
lung problems. Symptoms of acid reflux include chronic cough, chest tightness,
shortness of breath, and a burning sensation in the chest. The symptoms usually
occur after meals or in the evening. They may also occur if the patient lies
down soon after eating a meal. Other symptoms of acid reflux include a foul
taste in the mouth and pain in the upper abdomen. Treatment typically involves
acid-blocking medication and changes in behavior, like not lying down for at
least 30 minutes after eating.
It is possible that your
symptoms are caused by acid reflux, but dyspnea has other common causes,
including
- Congestive heart failure.
- Angina.
- Asthma.
- Emphysema.
- Infections (like pneumonia).
- Acid reflux.
- Anxiety.
- Panic disorders.
- Anemia.
- Obesity.
- Musculoskeletal problems (scoliosis, kyphosis).
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