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[Symptom correlation between asthma and gastroesophageal reflux]
Lixing Zhu1, Hongming Ma, Nanshan Zhong
1Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, China.
Summary
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) affects 58% of severe asthma patients. Anti-reflux therapy significantly improved respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function variability in asthmatics with GER.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Diagnostics
Context:
- Asthma frequently presents with refractory respiratory symptoms.
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a potential contributing factor to asthma exacerbations.
- Identifying and treating GER in asthmatics can improve respiratory outcomes.
Purpose:
- To investigate the correlation between GER and asthma symptoms.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring for GER in asthmatics.
- To evaluate the efficacy of anti-reflux therapy in improving GER-associated asthma symptoms.
Summary:
- This study enrolled 26 asthma patients with refractory symptoms. 24-hour ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring diagnosed GER in 17 patients (65%). Patients receiving anti-reflux therapy showed significant improvement in cough, chest tightness, and pyrosis, along with reduced peak expiratory flow variability.
- GER was identified in 58% of patients based on DeMeester score or symptom association probability (SAP).
- Anti-reflux treatment led to a significant decrease in 24-hour PEF variability (38% to 16%) and symptom improvement.
Impact:
- 58% of moderate to severe asthma patients exhibited GER, highlighting a significant comorbidity.
- 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring is a valuable tool for diagnosing GER in asthma patients.
- Anti-reflux therapy demonstrates effectiveness in managing GER-induced respiratory symptoms and improving lung function in asthmatics.