According to some modern research, drinking diluted acid may make the
lung airways asthmatically ultra-responsive and this can be tested by a
provocation test with the usual chemical (methacholine), see Dan-Nan Wu
and co-workers, study entitled "Effects of esophageal acid
perfusion" (Chest, 2000  1553-1556).

Only a small fraction of the asthma world appears to be aware of the
fact that acidity in the esophagus (pipe connecting the throat with the
stomach) has a strong effect on the state of the lungs including
asthma.  A Google search with "asthma action plan" produces vastly
more hits than a search with "asthma action plan" and GERD OR
reflux (the names commonly used for acid regurgitated from the stomach
into the esophagus). GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Generally however the Internet shows that there is a strong body of
medical opinion stressing the importance of considering acid reflux in
asthma as a cause. Some opinion holds this is more so in the case of
adult onset asthma without a previous history of allergies.

Asthma reliever sprays (Ventolin, Albuterol) are shown to be a cause of
GERD so that this might be an argument for showing that the spray
treatment is worse than the complaint, if the GERD perspective and
breathing techniques such as pursed lips breathing are fully taken into
account  (Crowell D and co-workers, Chest, 2001, 1184-1189).  In any
case a recent but not uncontroversial statement of the WHO (World
Health Organization) about the "pill" and hormome replacement therapy
causing cancer might be a pointer to less belief in medication.

In addition to the lifestyle remedies mentioned in the last posting on
GERD there is also:

1.) Chewing gum (or, I think, just a pumping action of the tongue) to
increase the flow of saliva to swallow and thus keep the esophagus
clear of acid is recommended as an obvious remedy. See the opinion
"Gum chewing can increase saliva quantity by 130%. Saliva is rich in
esophageal protective factors including epidermal growth factor, mucin,
proteins and prostaglandin E2 (www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C374158.html).

2:) Not lying down during a period of 3 hours following a meal.

The other anti-GERD instructions were:

1) Eat small meals.

2) Wear loose or properly fitted clothing.

3) Avoid caffeine (cola drinks, coffee, tea), chocolate, alcohol and
peppermint.

5) Raise the head of the bed 6 - 8 inches by inserting 2 - 3 bricks or
a single block under each front bedpost. Do not leave the bed flat or
use pillows to elevate your head and back. Pillows are not effective
because they raise only the head and neck rather than the chest, and
this position tends to place pressure on the contents of the stomach at
the waist.

6) Remain upright at least 2 hours after eating.

7) Lose excess body weight (obesity is a major cause of GERD).

8) Avoid constipation by drinking fluids, increasing dietary fiber and
participating in regular exercise.

9) Sleep on the left side

10) Avoid sitting in a slumped posture

11) Stop smoking.

12) Avoid aspirin and aspirin-like medications.

Regards, Richard Friedel