Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease in which the airways become inflamed and sensitive, causing them to react to certain triggers. During an asthma attack, the lining of the airways swells and produces extra mucus. The muscles surrounding the airways also tighten. These changes make it difficult to get air in to and out of the lungs. .....

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Acid Reflux

Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD) is a condition that occurs when stomach acids flow backward into the esophagus. There is a ring of muscles between the lower end of the esophagus and the stomach, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Normally, the LES acts like a one-way valve to allow food to pass from the esophagus into the stomach. In ......

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The Asthma-Reflux Connection

Researchers say acid reflux affects 20 to 30 percent of Americans. But the condition occurs in as many as 70 percent of patients with asthma. The reason for the high incidence in asthmatics is not certain. However, there are several theories about the association. Pressure changes in the chest during an asthma attack may allow the LES to relax and stomach acids to back up into......

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