Can acid reflux cause shortness of breath during pregnancy?
Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, occurs with GERD because stomach acid that creeps into the esophagus can enter the lungs, particularly during sleep, and cause swelling of the airways.
Can GERD make me short of breath?
Along with shortness of breath from swollen airways, severe GERD may result in fluid in the lungs or aspiration pneumonia. Acid reflux can also cause problems swallowing, or a feeling of food being stuck in your throat. This may interfere with your ability to breathe effectively.
Does GERD get worse with pregnancy?
Topic Overview. Most pregnant women have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), especially heartburn, at some point. These symptoms may start at any time during a pregnancy. And they often get worse throughout the pregnancy.
Is it normal to feel like you can’t breathe while pregnant?
It’s normal to feel a mild breathlessness during pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider immediately if your breathlessness becomes severe or comes on very suddenly. Also, call your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: A rapid pulse.
How do you treat GERD during pregnancy?
LBG If a pregnant woman is experiencing mild-to-moderate GERD symptoms during pregnancy, the initial treatment options should include either antacids or an H2-receptor antagonist such as famotidine or ranitidine. If the patients heartburn is severe, the patient could be started on PPI therapy.
What helps GERD while pregnant?
For heartburn relief, over-the-counter antacids (such as Tums, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Maalox) are all considered safe medications to use during pregnancy. As always, consult with your provider about any medications you’re taking – even if they’re considered safe. (This is especially true for high-risk pregnancies.)
Can you take GERD medicine while pregnant?
Antacids, histamine-2 receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors can be used safely during pregnancy, as large studies have been published with no evidence of adverse fetal effects.
What week of pregnancy does shortness of breath start?
Around the 31st to 34th week of pregnancy, your uterus presses on your diaphragm, making it more difficult for your lungs to fully expand. This can cause shallow breathing and breathlessness.
Why do you get GERD when pregnant?
Pregnancy hormones can cause your lower esophageal sphincter (the muscular valve between the stomach and esophagus) to relax, allowing stomach acids to flow back up into your esophagus. Also, as your baby grows, your enlarged uterus can crowd the abdomen, pushing stomach acids upward.
How do you know if GERD is severe?
If you experience severe chest pain or pressure, especially in combination with pain in the jaw, neck, or back, nausea and vomiting, or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.
Can acid reflux cause your airway to close?
Regular exposure to stomach acids can damage and inflame the delicate lining of the esophagus. This damage can lead to momentary spasms of the vocal cords, which close the airway and prevent air and oxygen from getting into the lungs.
What can I do for GERD while pregnant?
For heartburn relief, over-the-counter antacids (such as Tums, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Maalox) are all considered safe medications to use during pregnancy. As always, consult with your provider about any medications you’re taking – even if they’re considered safe.
Why do I feel like I can’t breathe while pregnant?
Around the 31st to 34th week of pregnancy, the uterus begins to press on the diaphragm (the flat muscle that moves up and down when you breathe). These changes may make it hard for your lungs to fully expand. This may cause more shallow breathing, and you may feel short of breath.
Is it normal to have a hard time breathing pregnant?
It’s quite common for expectant women to be short of breath. Usually it’s nothing to be concerned about, but it’s best to check with your doctor, since lots of things can cause shortness of breath.