[The bronchial asthma-gastroesophageal reflux association]

The gastroesophageal reflux acts as a trigger mechanism in the induction of a asthmatic attack, either as an aggravating or a releasing factor. Our study was underwent on 15 out of 100 followed up asthmatic patients who did not respond to the usual treatments and demonstrated the usual treatments and demonstrated the intervention of the gastroesophageal reflux. Its presence was suggested clinically by the symptoms (pyrosis, dysphagia, acid regurgitations) and confirmed in 5 patients by the barium examination in Trendelenburg and in the remainder of 10 by the esophageal pH, determination of gastroesophageal motility and endoscopic examination. Excepting the known allergenic conditions, the attacks were recorded during night or postprandially, being usually preceded by the above mentioned symptoms. The antispastic and antisecretory treatment improved the respiratory symptoms. The recognition of this association, i.e. bronchial asthma-gastroesophageal reflux, has a practical importance, the intervention of the esophageal component leading to the termination of the attacks.