Sage-Tips

Can acid reflux cause permanent lung damage?

Lung and throat problems — If stomach acid backs up into the throat, this can cause inflammation of the vocal cords, a sore throat, or a hoarse voice. The acid can also be inhaled into the lungs and cause pneumonia or asthma symptoms. Over time, acid in the lungs can lead to permanent lung damage.

Can silent reflux cause lung problems?

Shortness Of Breath Another strange symptom of silent acid reflux disease is experiencing shortness of breath. This could be because of the damage it inflicts upon the esophagus and throat, but also because silent reflux directly impacts the lungs as well as the throat.

Can GERD cause pulmonary nodules?

Lung diseases that have been associated with GERD include nodular granulomatous bronchiolar disease, bronchiolitis obliterans with organising pneumonia (BOOP), IPF and scleroderma, bronchiolitis obliterans following lung transplantation, and nontubercular mycobacterial (NTM) lung infection.

Can reflux cause inflammation in the lungs?

The acid can cause throat irritation, postnasal drip and hoarseness, as well as recurrent cough, chest congestion and lung inflammation leading to asthma and/or bronchitis/ pneumonia.

What can cause scarring on the lungs?

Other causes and risk factors

• previous viral infection or pneumonia.
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux.
• smoking.
• older age.
• tuberculosis (TB)
• exposure to asbestos or silica.
• chemotherapy.
• radiation therapy to the chest cavity.

Can GERD cause aspiration?

GERD can cause stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus and dysphagia can cause food and/or liquid to remain in the esophagus after swallowing. If these substances are inhaled and move into the lungs, it can lead to serious respiratory problems, such as aspiration pneumonia.