Lung function in infants with wheezing and gastroesophageal reflux

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S Sheikh1, L J Goldsmith, L Howell

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|May 7, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Silent gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in infants with persistent wheezing and is linked to reduced response to bronchodilator therapy. Maternal smoking and family history of asthma are significant factors in infant wheezing.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Pulmonology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Persistent wheezing in infants is a common clinical problem.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a potential contributing factor to infant respiratory symptoms.
  • The relationship between GER, pulmonary function, and response to bronchodilators in wheezing infants requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants with daily wheezing.
  • To assess the impact of GER on infant pulmonary function tests (IPFTs) and response to bronchodilator therapy.
  • To identify factors associated with bronchodilator response in wheezing infants with and without GER.

Main Methods:

  • Eighty-four infants with daily wheezing underwent infant pulmonary function tests (IPFTs) and 24-hour esophageal pH probe studies.
  • Infants were categorized based on positive or negative pH probe results for GER.
  • Bronchodilator response was evaluated, and correlations with family history of asthma and maternal smoking were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • 64% of infants had positive pH probe studies, indicating GER.
  • Infants with GER showed a significantly lower response to bronchodilator therapy (16.6%) compared to those without GER (66.6%).
  • Silent GER was observed in 44% of infants with positive pH probes. Family history of asthma and maternal smoking were significant factors influencing bronchodilator response.

Conclusions:

  • Silent GER is a prevalent condition in infants experiencing persistent wheezing.
  • GER significantly reduces the likelihood of infants responding to bronchodilator treatment.
  • Maternal smoking and a family history of asthma are important independent factors influencing wheezing and treatment response in infants.

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