Lung function parameters in patients with gastroesophageal reflux without respiratory symptoms: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Respiratory Physiology

Background:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with various extraesophageal conditions, including asthma and chronic cough.
• While GERD's link to asthma and bronchoconstriction is known, its effect on lung function in asymptomatic GERD patients remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of GERD on pulmonary volumes, airflows, and airway resistance in patients without respiratory symptoms.
• To compare these lung parameters between GERD patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 78 GERD patients without pulmonary symptoms and 93 healthy controls.
• Airway resistance was measured using impulse oscillometry.
• Pulmonary volumes and airflows were assessed via body plethysmography.

Main Results:

• Lung volumes were comparable between GERD patients and controls.
• Significant differences were observed in forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) and maximal mid expiratory flow (MMEF).
• GERD patients exhibited significantly higher airway resistance at 5Hz compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• GERD is linked to small airway disease, detectable even in the absence of respiratory symptoms.
• These findings highlight the subclinical pulmonary effects of GERD.