Can asthma be mistaken for GERD?

GERD can cause asthma-like symptoms via two mechanisms: Aspiration of acid particles in the trachea can cause coughing, wheezing and pneumonia. Acid in the esophagus causes a reflex phenomenon in the trachea, triggering asthma-like symptoms.

What can GERD be misdiagnosed as?

Causes of misdiagnosis of GERD are functional heartburn, achalasia, megaesophagus, eosinophilic esophagitis, other types of esophagitis, and other causes. The diagnosis and treatment are specific to each of these causes of refractoriness to clinical therapy with PPI.

What is commonly misdiagnosed as asthma?

Conditions that can mimic asthma include: Sinusitis: Also called a sinus infection; an inflammation or swelling of the sinuses. Sinusitis and asthma often coexist. Myocardial ischemia: A disease of heart function characterized by inadequate blood flow to the muscle tissue of the heart.

Can shortness of breath be caused by GERD?

Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, occurs with GERD because stomach acid that creeps into the esophagus can enter the lungs, particularly during sleep, and cause swelling of the airways. This can lead to asthma reactions or cause aspiration pneumonia.

Is GERD causing my shortness of breath?

Can GERD cause breathlessness? Yes, GERD is linked to a number of common respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, chronic persistent coughing, and shortness of breath. One study suggests that 30–80\% of people with asthma also have GERD.

Can GERD be a symptom of something else?

Heartburn-like pain is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but several other conditions can cause a burning feeling in your chest, including gallstones, stomach ulcer and esophageal cancer.

Can anxiety mimic GERD?

There is some evidence to suggest that stress and anxiety may provoke acid reflux or make the symptoms worse. For instance, a 2018 study involving more than 19,000 people found that those with anxiety were more likely to experience GERD symptoms.

What other conditions can mimic asthma?

Asthma mimickers can be extrathoracic or intrathoracic. Other more common mimickers of asthma include pulmonary eosinophilic disorders, sarcoidosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, CF and CHF.

Can I be misdiagnosed with asthma?

There is evidence that asthma is widely misdiagnosed. Overdiagnosis leads to unnecessary treatment and a delay in making an alternative diagnosis. Underdiagnosis risks daily symptoms, (potentially serious) exacerbations and long-term airway remodelling.

Can GERD cause tightness in chest?

Chest pain stemming from GERD may affect your upper body in some cases, but it’s most often centered either behind your sternum or just underneath it in an area known as the epigastrium. NCCP is usually accompanied by a burning behind your breastbone and may not be felt as much in the left arm.