It is known as reflux asthma and it manifests itself with persistent coughing, sometimes accompanied by wheezing, and difficulty breathing when performing a physical effort. This type of asthma is caused by gastric reflux – explains Dr. Tiziano Zurlo, head of the Operational Unit of Otorhinolaryngology at Humanitas Mater Domini. The annoying symptoms typical of reflux asthma are caused by the irritation of the larynx caused by the substances that make up the gastric reflux, such as hydrochloric acid, pepsin and bile. Due to the high aggressiveness of these agents, rising from the stomach to the larynx can cause inflammation of the larynx, and therefore manifest itself with laryngitis, coughing, nose dripping and a sensation of a knot in the throat, making it difficult to breathe, which can worsen with physical activity. Since these are symptoms that could be confused with a respiratory infection, it often happens for the patient to resort to typical therapies for sore throat, starting with anti inflammatory and antibiotic drugs, and ending with cortisone, but without benefiting from it. On the contrary, the risk of worsening the situation increases. For this reason, when these symptoms occur, it is better to avoid over-the-counter and DIY remedies and consult a specialist who is able to carry out an assessment that excludes the presence of other pathologies that may be associated with the same symptoms. Finally, treating the gastric reflux will provide benefit for the asthma symptoms as well.
