Reflux and the Lungs – An Often Overlooked Connection

Reflux does not only affect the esophagus—the lungs can also be significantly impacted.In particular, gaseous components of reflux can rise upward and enter the bronchi with each breath. The result may include coughing, increased susceptibility to infections, and recurrent respiratory problems.

The lungs attempt to clear these substances through coughing—a powerful protective mechanism driven by the diaphragm. However, in cases of persistent reflux, the lungs are continuously exposed to this burden.

A Patient Example

A young patient reported years of symptoms including coughing, vomiting after meals, and increasing fatigue.

A long medical journey followed:

• repeated antibiotic treatments

• diagnosis of asthma and inhalation therapy

• numerous examinations without clear findings

• endoscopy without a definitive result

Despite ongoing symptoms, no clear cause was identified.

Only through targeted diagnostic evaluation was a diaphragmatic hernia discovered, which had previously gone undetected. After surgical treatment, the symptoms resolved completely: no coughing, no reflux, normal physical capacity.

What does this mean?

Reflux can present in many different ways—not only as heartburn, but also as:

• chronic cough

• breathing difficulties

• recurrent infections

• fatigue

Recognizing these connections early is essential.Only the correct diagnosis allows for effective and lasting treatment.

Conclusion

Not every lung condition originates in the lungs.The lungs are often only reacting—the underlying cause may lie deeper, in the interaction between the diaphragm, stomach, and esophagus.

Yours sioncerely

Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Eckhard Löhde