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Increase in gastroesophageal reflux during methacholine-induced bronchospasm
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|October 1, 1986
Summary
Bronchospasm in asthma patients significantly increases gastroesophageal reflux (GER) episodes. This study suggests bronchospasm may induce or worsen GER in mild asthma.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is frequently observed in asthma patients.
- The causal link between asthma and GER remains unclear and debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if bronchospasm can induce gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in individuals with mild asthma.
- To compare GER incidence and severity during induced bronchospasm in mild asthma patients versus non-asthmatic controls.
Main Methods:
- Continuous monitoring of lower esophageal sphincter pressure and pH in 15 mild asthma patients and 15 controls.
- Measurements taken during baseline, methacholine-induced bronchospasm, and post-salbutamol (albuterol) inhalation.
Main Results:
- Asthma subjects experienced significantly more GER episodes (3.9 vs. 0.8) during bronchospasm.
- Lower esophageal pH levels were recorded in asthma patients (2.23 vs. 3.22) during bronchospasm.
- p < 0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference between groups.
Conclusions:
- Methacholine-induced bronchospasm leads to increased frequency and severity of GER episodes in mild asthma.
- Findings suggest a potential mechanism linking asthma-related bronchospasm to gastroesophageal reflux.