Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
06:46
Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Cough syncope induced by gastroesophageal reflux disease
Takanori Kusuyama1, Hidetaka Iida, Naoto Kino
1Department of Cardiology, Tsukazaki Hospital, 68-1 Waku Aboshi-ku, Himeji, Hyogo 671-1227, Japan. takanori.kusuyama@nifty.ne.jp
Journal of Cardiology
|September 29, 2009
Summary
Cough syncope, a rare condition, can be triggered by laryngopharyngitis stemming from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Treatment of GERD with lansoprazole effectively resolved cough syncope in a patient.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Syncope, or fainting, can have diverse causes affecting multiple organ systems.
- Cough syncope is a rare condition characterized by transient loss of consciousness triggered by coughing.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old man presented with syncope and convulsions, initially showing normal sinus rhythm.
- During coughing episodes, the patient experienced bradycardia (slow heart rate) and convulsions.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with cough syncope secondary to laryngopharyngitis, caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Administration of lansoprazole for GERD effectively eliminated the syncopal episodes.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering GERD as a potential cause of cough syncope.
- Clinicians should conduct thorough examinations to diagnose the diverse causes of syncope.
- Effective management of underlying conditions like GERD can resolve associated syncopal events.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach contents (acid, pepsin, or bile) into the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation known as esophagitis. It results from failure of antireflux mechanisms, mainly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), influenced by mechanical and physiological factors.Etiology and Risk FactorsGERD develops when LES function is weakened or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and sliding hiatal hernia,...
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) involves the recurrent backflow of the stomach or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to troublesome symptoms and potential esophageal mucosal damage. Although GERD is often referred to as a disease, it is more accurately described as a syndrome, as it encompasses a range of symptoms and complications rather than a singular pathological entity, impacting a large number of individuals as the most prevalent upper gastrointestinal problem. Roughly...
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
01:27Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
01:21Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
01:28Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations: