Asthma & GERD - Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes difficulty breathing, and sometimes chest pain, secondary to spasm of smooth airway muscle (bronchospasm), airway inflammation, and increased airway secretions.

In the United States it is estimated that 17.5 million adults, and 7.1 million children, have been diagnosed with asthma. Also in the United States 3,447 people died from asthma symptoms. Worldwide it is estimated that 300 million people have asthma. Currently asthma is costing the healthcare systems in the United States in excess of $56 billion dollars per year. This figure is increased 6% from $53 billion dollars in 2002.
GERD

GERD (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease) is the back-flow of stomach acids into the lower part of the esophagus causing a burning sensation commonly referred to as heartburn. There are two main causes of GERD. The first is an insufficiently functioning lower esophageal sphincter, which allows stomach acids and food enter the esophagus. Second is a hiatal hernia, which is when part of the stomach “herniates” upward through the lower esophageal sphincter into the esophagus.

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