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Gastroesophageal reflux and lung disease
1University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Medicine, K4/910 Clinical Science Centre, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792-9988, USA.
Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine
|June 25, 2015
Summary
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can harm the lungs, potentially worsening conditions like lung disease and transplant rejection. Antireflux surgery may offer benefits, but more research is needed to confirm its role and optimal treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology and Gastroenterology
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Pathophysiology
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is linked to respiratory issues, including airway disorders, interstitial lung diseases, and lung allograft dysfunction.
- The efficacy of lifestyle changes and acid suppression in preventing GER-related respiratory complications is not fully established.
Discussion:
- Antireflux surgery shows promise in halting lung disease progression in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and preventing lung allograft dysfunction in transplant recipients with GER.
- Further clinical trials are essential to elucidate GER's role in diverse lung disorders and identify effective interventions.
Key Insights:
- GER can negatively impact respiratory health, affecting various lung conditions and transplant outcomes.
- Measuring biomarkers like pepsin and bile acids in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid may aid in diagnosing aspiration of gastric refluxate.
Outlook:
- Future research should focus on clarifying the GER-respiratory link and evaluating interventions, including surgery and biomarker-guided approaches.
- Personalized treatment strategies are needed to mitigate the respiratory consequences of GERD.
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