Q: How does GERD affect the airways? Can it cause shortness of breath in the absence of lung disease
Here's a link that talks a little about the respiratory symptoms that can be seen with GERD:
http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/introduction-000085_4-145_2.html
Many people have the respiratory effects of GERD without even realizing that that is what is causing it. I had a chronic mild cough for years and frequent bronchitis. Since I started on PPIs 1.5 years ago no cough and no bronchitis or laryngitis. My daughter's only reflux symptom is a chronic cough that doesn't respond to allergy or asthma meds.
Basically what can happen is that if the body detects the acid and feels like it is risking the airway the airway can respond by reflexive closing up to protect itself.
Stephanie
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