Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition which affects approximately 20 percent of the population. Often referred to as acid reflux, GERD occurs when the contents of your stomach move in the wrong direction―up the esophagus instead of down toward the small intestine.

Research shows that up to one-half of those with COPD also have GERD, making it more common in people with COPD than it is in people who don’t have COPD. Some studies show that women who had been diagnosed with COPD are more likely to have GERD than men. Being older increases your risk of developing GERD as well. 

Risk Factors for Developing GERD

Smoking, the number one risk factor for COPD, is also a common risk factor for GERD. Other important risk factors include:

  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Eating certain foods (fried, fatty, spicy, acidic, citrus, or chocolate-based food)
  • Having certain medical conditions (a hiatal hernia, asthma, peptic ulcer, gastroparesis)

Although more research is needed to determine why people with COPD have a higher risk of GERD, studies suggest that the severity of hyperinflation in the lungs and dyspnea (labored breathing) play a role. GERD also appears to be closely associated with COPD exacerbation. If you have GERD, you may even be at higher risk for hospitalization because your COPD suddenly gets worse.

Additionally, severe GERD symptoms may cause more frequent episodes of exacerbation if you have COPD. Taking steps to reduce complications associated with GERD and prevent COPD exacerbation will help keep you out of the hospital.

There is some good news: Studies suggest that having GERD does not worsen lung function or clinical outcomes in COPD. But, compared to those who are diagnosed with COPD alone, having poorly treated or unrecognized GERD certainly can negatively impact your quality of life if you live with both illnesses.

Managing Both GERD and COPD

Because GERD and COPD are two different conditions, it is important that your healthcare providers treat both of them. Like with COPD, getting an accurate GERD diagnosis is the key to effective treatment.

If you suspect that you have symptoms of GERD, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may be able to diagnose you based on your symptoms, or they may ask you to undergo additional testing. This may include an endoscopy to look down your throat, an X-ray of your upper digestive system, or an ambulatory acid (pH) probe, a thin tube your wear down your nose and into your throat and measures the amount of acid present. 

Treating GERD

Treating GERD usually starts with lifestyle changes like smoking cessation and dietary modifications, which can also help treat COPD.

If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, medications such as antacids, promotility agents, histamine receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors may also be added to the treatment plan. As a last resort, should lifestyle changes and medication provide little relief from GERD symptoms, surgery may be able to provide some relief.