Treating stomach disorders may actually improve the control of unstable asthmatics who are prone to frequent attacks. The Esophagus The human digestive tract includes a feeding passage known as the esophagus through which food passes before entering the stomach to begin digestion. The esophagus is in the chest just behind the windpipe and starts at about the same level as the voice box (larynx). At the lower end of the esophagus a muscular ring or sphincter that relaxes to open and tightens to close ensures stomach contents remain in the stomach where they are exposed to acid. In many digestive disorders the esophageal sphincter may malfunction, allowing a reflux of acid back into the esophagus. This is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Increasing evidence suggests this disorder is related to reduced motion or motility of the feeding passage and stomach. An associated condition is overproduction of acid or hyperacidity. A common contributing condition to GERD is a hiatal hernia, in which a fold of the stomach lining protrudes upward into the esophagus. Asthma and Reflux Research shows a high incidence of gastroesophageal reflux in patients with bronchial asthma. It is unclear how much of a contributing factor GERD is to bronchial asthma since many studies have resulted in conflicting conclusions. Also unclear is how acid reflux aggravates bronchial asthma. In rare cases the actual aspiration of acid into the bronchial tubes may occur, producing severe inflammation. The mere presence of acid in the esophagus may even trigger a reflex leading to bronchoconstriction. Despite these controversies, some patients with GERD and asthma have benefited from the treatment of reflux, which has reduced the frequency of their asthma attacks. Medications That May Aggravate Stomach Disorders Several asthma medications may irritate your stomach. Theophylline may irritate the stomach lining, causing gastritis. In patients with preexisting hyperacidity, theophylline may aggravate their condition and increase reflux. Oral corticosteroids may produce gastritis as well as ulceration of the stomach lining.