Gastric asthma: an unrecognized disease with an unsuspected frequency

Bronchial asthma is a disease that has been recognized for centuries, which is influenced mainly by genetic and environmental factors. The current interest of bronchial asthma is focused to ascertain the causes and the mechanisms that induce bronchoconstriction. Recently, abnormalities of the esophageal and gastric tracts have become important related areas for research. In predisposed individuals, these abnormalities can trigger or worsen the particular syndrome better known as "gastric asthma." In bronchial asthma the disorder of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs more often than would be expected by chance. The neurogenic mechanism is considered to be the main cause of bronchoconstriction. The diagnosis of gastric asthma is particularly difficult and it should be considered also when GER is less evident or not recognized. In asthmatic patients the recognition of gastric abnormalities is very relevant for therapeutic problems also when GER is in a subclinical stage. In fact, many drugs used in the treatment of bronchial asthma can promote or enhance GER and subsequently they can worsen the symptoms of gastric asthma.