Asthma is often associated with other conditions that affect your esophagus or respiratory system. These conditions are often considered triggers, or things that make asthma worse. They may lead to an asthma attack, or episode, or a worsening of asthma symptoms. Each of the following conditions is often associated with asthma.
Allergies
Allergies can make asthma worse, although not all people with asthma have allergies, and not all people with allergies have asthma.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
In some people, the muscle between the esophagus and stomach may allow some back flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This may cause heartburn, as well as a reflex response that can result in asthma symptoms.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
A virus that causes mild respiratory infections, colds, and coughs in adults, but can produce severe respiratory problems, including bronchitis and pneumonia in young children. There is a theory that (RSV) can contribute to the development of asthma.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis, an inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the sinus cavities, can be related to asthma.
Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)
Vocal cord dysfunction is an episodic condition involving sudden closure of the voice-box (larynx) as a result of the two vocal cords sticking together. The symptoms of vocal cord dysfunction are the sudden onset of difficulty breathing and talking, panic, and a shrill sound much like the sound made by a child suffering from croup. Vocal cord dysfunction often is misdiagnosed and treated as asthma because both conditions may have symptoms of wheezing.
