Can GERD cause shortness of breath?

Medically reviewed by Leslie GreenbergMD
Board-Certified Family Physician
Written by Donna Christiano
Updated Feb 4, 2026  •  Published Jan 9, 2026
Fact Checked

Yes, GERD can cause shortness of breath. Acid reflux can allow acidic stomach contents to irritate the throat or be inhaled into the lungs, leading to airway tightening and respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing, especially when reflux is frequent or untreated.

Learn more about the causes of shortness of breath in our guide: 14 causes of wheezing and how to treat it.


Medical disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your gastroenterologist or other healthcare provider before making changes to your medication regimen.

Medically reviewed by Leslie GreenbergMD
Board-Certified Family Physician

Leslie Greenberg, MD, is a board-certified practicing family physician with more than 25 years of doctoring experience. She was a psychology major at Northwestern University near Chicago, then graduated with an MD from the University of Nevada School of Medicine. She completed her family medicine residency at St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. She has trained more than 350 family medicine resident-physicians, been in private practice, and delivered babies for 22 years.

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Written by Donna Christiano

Donna Christiano is a University of South Florida staff writer and an award-winning freelance journalist specializing in women's and children's health. She has served on the staffs of Glamour and Brides magazines and has written for numerous national consumer magazines and health outlets. She shamefully admits to being obsessed with reality TV and her attack beagle named Bananas. She lives in Tampa, Florida, with her husband and aforementioned beagle. Her two college-student sons show up when they need money or clean laundry.

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