Gastroparesis Awareness Month is here, and while most people think of digestive issues as “just a stomach problem,” the truth is your gut and lungs are more connected than you might realise.
If you have asthma, chronic bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions, digestive disorders like gastroparesis or acid reflux can make breathing harder, sometimes without you even knowing the connection exists.
At Advanced Respiratory Care Network, we’ve seen many patients whose breathing symptoms improved once their digestive health was addressed. This month, we want to highlight how your gut can affect your lungs and what you can do to protect both.
Understanding Digestive Disorders That Affect Breathing
While there are many digestive conditions, two in particular, gastroparesis and acid reflux/GERD, are known for making respiratory symptoms worse.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis means your stomach takes longer than normal to empty food. Common symptoms include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling full quickly
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
Why it affects breathing: When your stomach stays full for too long, bloating and pressure can push up against your diaphragm, making it harder for your lungs to fully expand. This can lead to shortness of breath, especially after meals.
Acid Reflux / GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the oesophagus. Common symptoms include:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Chest discomfort
- Chronic cough
Why it affects breathing: Acid can travel far enough to irritate your airways, sometimes even as tiny droplets through microaspiration while you sleep. This can inflame lung tissue, trigger asthma flare-ups, and worsen chronic bronchitis symptoms.
How Digestive Disorders Exacerbate Respiratory Symptoms
Your digestive system and respiratory system may seem separate, but they share space and are influenced by each other’s function.
In Asthma
- Acid reflux can cause sudden bronchospasms, tightening of the airway muscles.
- Gastroparesis-related bloating can limit diaphragm movement, making asthma symptoms worse.
In Chronic Bronchitis / COPD
- Acid irritation can increase mucus production and worsen coughing.
- Restricted lung expansion from bloating can make breathlessness more severe.
Night-time Worsening
- Lying down after eating increases the chance of reflux.
- Many patients with nocturnal asthma find that their symptoms improve when reflux is treated.
Signs You Should Talk to Your Doctor
If you have a lung condition and notice any of these symptoms, it may be worth looking at your digestive health:
- Frequent heartburn or indigestion
- Shortness of breath after meals
- Wheezing or coughing at night
- Unexplained asthma flare-ups
- Feeling overly full quickly and struggling to catch your breath
Practical Tips to Manage Digestive Disorders & Protect Lung Health
Addressing digestive issues doesn’t just improve comfort, it can directly help you breathe easier. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Adjust Your Eating Habits
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions.
- Avoid lying down for at least 2–3 hours after eating.
- Limit foods that can trigger reflux, including spicy, greasy, or acidic foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol.
- Stay hydrated, but sip water between meals rather than drinking large amounts during meals.
2. Improve Sleeping Position
- Elevate the head of your bed by 6–8 inches to reduce reflux while lying down.
- Consider using a wedge pillow for upper body support.
3. Manage Weight & Activity Levels
- Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the diaphragm.
- Light activity, like a short walk after meals, can help digestion and breathing.
4. Work with Your Healthcare Provider
- Discuss whether you may benefit from acid suppression medication or pro-motility drugs.
- If you have asthma or chronic bronchitis, ask if a pulmonary function test is recommended.
- Keep a symptom diary to track how digestive flare-ups affect your breathing.
How ARC Network Can Help
At Advanced Respiratory Care Network, we understand that breathing issues aren’t always just about the lungs. Our team works to:
- Provide comprehensive respiratory testing to see if digestive problems are contributing to breathing symptoms.
- Collaborate with your primary care provider or gastroenterologist for a coordinated treatment approach.
- Offer education on lifestyle adjustments to improve both digestion and respiratory health.
- Monitor ongoing conditions like asthma, COPD, and chronic bronchitis to reduce flare-ups linked to digestive triggers.
The Takeaway – Your Gut and Lungs Work Together
Gastroparesis and acid reflux aren’t just digestive issues — they can directly impact your ability to breathe well. If you’ve been treating your lung condition but still struggle with unexplained symptoms, it’s worth looking into your digestive health.
By recognising the gut-lung connection and getting the right care, you can take a big step toward improving your quality of life.
Breathe easier. Live better. Contact ARC Network today to book your respiratory consultation.