Hey jess, i dont think drs. know the definite answer to this. The only thig i can think of is diet. I dont know how your diet is but maybe try changing things up for a while staying away from heavy and/or fried foods. tryt eating more veggies. If it works than you know what it is, if it doesnt then move on to the next thing.. Good luck

Some meds used by COPD patients can also cause heartburn. If you Google "COPD and heartburn," you'll get a lot of info from doctors on this problem.

i was told it very often was related to being a co2 retainer.

if you retain too much co2...
you'd be more likely to have heartburn.

dont know for sure.
goodluck

Yes, Jess, you're right. The 2 are related. In fact, it's very important to control your GERD because the acid can actually get into the lungs and cause further problems. There are several reasons for this. Some of the medications that we use, especially bronchodilators and even steroids, can relax the "Lower Esophagel Sphincter" or "LES" But we need these drugs, so we need to take other steps to control it. There is an operation called a "fundiplication" which can tighten the LES, but it oftentimes doesn't work, or can be defeated if you don't continue to watch your diet.

I have pretty seveer GERD, and about 2 years ago, a Chest CT showed numerous nodules or granulomas throughout the lungs. My doctor was convinced that they were caused by GERD. So after a few years of a pretty strict diet, and being propped up in bed at night, and taking a great deal of medication, I had a new CT done, and the nodules were gone! What a lucky thing!

The diet is important. I was told to avoid tomatoes, onions, garlic, mint, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, and fried or fatty food. It can be a challenge to get used to, but it really helps. I also take PPI medication every day. It's important to raise the head of your bed, either with blocked unter the bed-feet, or with a wedge shaped bolster.

Try not to eat too close to betime (That's a difficult one for me!) I found lots more really good information, including recipes and lists of allowed foods, at this website:

www.heartburn.about.com

Hugs, Sue

No heartburn here.

I eliminated the "whites" from my food...no white bread,sugar, or rice. I replaced them with brown bread, raw sugar, and brown rice, this has been a big help to me. Also cut back on my coffee intake.