Gastro-oesophageal reflux in patients with bronchial asthma

A case is described with pathological gastro-oesophageal reflux and nighttime bronchial asthma. Treatment with omeprazole resulted not only in improvement of gastro-oesophageal reflux but also in alleviation of asthmatic symptoms and increases in expiratory peak flow values. The possible pathophysiological mechanisms whereby gastro-oesophageal reflux may induce or aggravate asthmatic symptoms are discussed. At present it is not yet possible to predict which patients with bronchial asthma will benefit from antireflux therapy with respect to their pulmonary condition, but such treatment is warranted in all patients with bronchial asthma and proven pathological gastro-oesophageal reflux.