Lung function in infants with wheezing and gastroesophageal reflux

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.