Acid Reflux and Lung Health: What Aspergillosis Patients Should Know

Living with aspergillosis already means managing delicate lung health — so when acid reflux (GERD) or silent reflux (LPR) starts affecting your breathing or causing discomfort, it’s important to know what’s going on and what can be done to help.

This article explains how reflux can impact the lungs, why it may be especially important for aspergillosis patients, and what steps you can take to reduce the risk of further lung irritation or damage.

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🔄 What Is Acid Reflux?

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) occurs when stomach acid regularly flows back into the food pipe (esophagus). Sometimes, this acid can reach the throat or even be breathed into the lungs — especially during sleep — causing aspiration. This is more common than people think and is often silent (without heartburn).

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🫁 Why Does It Matter for Aspergillosis?

For those with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), ABPA, or aspergillus bronchitis, the lungs are already inflamed or damaged. Repeated exposure to stomach acid or bile from reflux can:

• Worsen coughing and breathlessness

• Mimic or worsen asthma and wheezing

• Trigger new infections or inflammation

• Possibly accelerate lung damage, especially if reflux goes untreated

• Confuse your diagnosis (e.g. is it infection, inflammation, or reflux?)

In some cases, reflux and aspiration can contribute to lung conditions like bronchiectasis — which is often seen in people with aspergillosis.

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🔍 Symptoms to Watch For

If you’re living with aspergillosis and experience any of the following, reflux could be playing a role:

• Chronic cough or throat clearing

• Wheezing not relieved by inhalers

• Chest tightness or “burning” sensation

• Sour taste in the mouth, especially in the morning

• Hoarseness or sore throat

• Waking up gasping or choking

• Repeated chest infections

These symptoms may be worse after eating or when lying flat.

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🧪 Diagnosing Reflux Aspiration

Ask your doctor about the following tests if reflux is suspected:

• 24-hour pH and impedance testing: Measures acid and non-acid reflux

• Barium swallow or endoscopy: Checks for structural issues

• Lung function tests: Identify asthma-like patterns

• CT scan: To detect aspiration-related changes like bronchiectasis

• Sputum tests: To rule out infection

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💊 Treatment Options (and What Helps Most)

Lifestyle Tips

• Raise the head of your bed 6–8 inches

• Avoid eating 2–3 hours before lying down

• Eat smaller meals more frequently

• Avoid reflux triggers (spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, caffeine, chocolate)

• Maintain a healthy weight if possible

Medications

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole: reduce stomach acid

• H2 Blockers like ranitidine or famotidine

• Prokinetic agents: Improve stomach emptying (check local availability)

• Always take reflux medications under medical guidance, especially if you’re also taking antifungals (to avoid drug interactions)

Surgical Options

• Fundoplication: Strengthens the barrier between stomach and esophagus

• LINX device: A newer, less invasive option using magnetic beads

These may be considered if reflux is proven and not controlled with medications.

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🤝 A Joined-Up Approach: Respiratory + Gastro Teams

Many patients benefit most when their respiratory doctor and gastroenterologist work together. For example:

• Treating reflux may improve cough and wheeze

• Addressing aspiration may reduce lung infections

• Reflux control may improve response to antifungal treatment

If you’re under a specialist for aspergillosis and have reflux symptoms, let them know — a referral to a gastroenterologist may be appropriate.

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🧠 Summary: Reflux and Aspergillosis

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🫶 You’re Not Alone

Many people with aspergillosis struggle with reflux or silent aspiration without realising it. The good news is that recognising the issue early — and getting the right help — can protect your lungs and improve your quality of life.

Speak to your team, keep a symptom diary, and don’t hesitate to push for answers. Every little improvement in reflux control helps your lungs, too.