BREATHE WELL PHYSIO
  • Home
  • Conditions
    • After Hospital Care
    • Respiratory Disorders
    • Long Covid
    • Chronic Cough
    • Kids
    • Anxiety
    • Chronic Pain
    • Sport and Performance
    • Women's Health
  • Services
    • VideoPhysio
    • Advanced Breathing Disorder Treatment
    • Post-Covid Recovery Support
    • Pulmonary Rehab
    • Health Coaching
    • Breathe, Sing, Move
  • POWERbreathe
  • About
    • Blog
    • Links
    • Testimonials
  • For Pros

My thoughts on breathing...


A bit more information as it occurs to me about how breathing impacts your health and well-being.  If you have questions or want me to address a particular topic, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Contact

Reflux?  How can IMT help?

11/19/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
How can inspiratory muscle training help with symptoms of reflux?  It has to do with the mechanisms behind gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD). GERD is caused by the upward movement of gastric contents from the stomach into the esophagus.  This happens when the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus (meant to be a one-way door) loses some of it's strength and function.  The result is that stomach contents end up flowing backwards into the esophagus (the pipe that food travels down into the stomach after we swallow).  Symptoms of GERD can be:
  • heartburn - burning type pain in the chest area
  • feeling of something in the throat
  • throat clearing, coughing
  • hoarse voice
  • shortness of breath
  • interrupted sleep
The diagram below shows how the the esophagus passes through the diaphragm and you can even see the muscle fibres of the diaphragm supporting the sphincter.  So it does makes sense that if the diaphragm isn't functioning well, then the sphincter function may also be reduced.  In fact, studies have indicated that individuals with GERD have reduced diaphragm function and altered breathing patterns.  

GERD can be difficult to treat and should include a an approach that includes lifestyle changes (diet, weight loss) and may include medications.  But more recent evidence has shown that strengthening the diaphragm can help.  A few studies have shown that participants with GERD who performed inspiratory muscle training for 4-8 weeks, had reduced symptoms of GERD.  Researchers theorize that IMT helps to improve the function of the lower esophageal sphincter.  For the more recent study abstract click here.  


Picture
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    I'm a physiotherapist who is passionate about educating anyone and everyone about the impact breathing has on our health. 

    Archives

    November 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    January 2020
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    October 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All

Quick Links​
  • About
  • Shop Online​
Contact
  • Phone: 
    • In Alberta call 587-393-8263 (Elevate Movement)
    • In BC call 587-355-3200
  • Fax:  587-355-3200
  • Email:  breathewellphysio@gmail.com​
Good To Know
  • We offer direct billing to most insurance companies
  • Telehealth appointments available
  • Shop with PayPal
Photos used under Creative Commons from virtualcourtney, sazztastical, Lakbay 7107, andrewr, Ann Frye, AJC1, Teecycle Tim, pabak sarkar
  • Home
  • Conditions
    • After Hospital Care
    • Respiratory Disorders
    • Long Covid
    • Chronic Cough
    • Kids
    • Anxiety
    • Chronic Pain
    • Sport and Performance
    • Women's Health
  • Services
    • VideoPhysio
    • Advanced Breathing Disorder Treatment
    • Post-Covid Recovery Support
    • Pulmonary Rehab
    • Health Coaching
    • Breathe, Sing, Move
  • POWERbreathe
  • About
    • Blog
    • Links
    • Testimonials
  • For Pros