How Reflux Can Worsens Bronchiectasis

Did you know there’s an association between bronchiectasis and gastric reflux, as well as between NTM pulmonary disease and reflux?

Now, more than ever, leading U.S. bronchiectasis centers are focusing on the role of gastric reflux. If your care team hasn’t evaluated you for reflux, it’s worth discussing. 

Why? Because managing reflux can be crucial to preventing disease progression. Airway clearance alone might not be enough to prevent inflammation and infection.

Some individuals manage acid reflux with antacids, alginates, or medications like Pepcid. Others may need proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Nexium or Prilosec to prevent precancerous conditions like erosive esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus.

However, the goal is often to minimize PPI use because stomach acid is needed to break down food and kill bacteria. Additionally, long-term use of these medications can cause nutrient malabsorption and bone loss.

It’s important to note that while PPIs reduce acid production, they do not stop reflux. There is a condition called silent reflux, also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), which involves the reflux of solids, liquids, and gases that can be both non-acidic and acidic. Substances like water, milk, or bile, which are alkaline, can also reflux into the throat and voice, causing symptoms such as a sore throat, drippy nose, and hoarseness.

Despite not being acidic, these substances can still get into the lungs, potentially causing tissue damage, chronic inflammation, and impacting the lung microbiome.

That’s why it’s important to take reflux seriously if you have it. Lifestyle modifications, such as not eating several hours before lying down, elevating the head of your bed, and weight loss if you’re obese, can help reduce reflux episodes.

Always consult your medical team before making any changes to your treatment plan.

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