Gastro-oesophageal reflux and triggering of bronchial asthma: a negative report

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a direct causal relationship exists between gastro-oesophageal (GO) reflux episodes and bronchial asthma. Forty-two patients with moderate or severe asthma and pathological GO-reflux were examined using a 24-h pH test at a proximal and a distal level of the oesophagus. Respiratory symptoms and the use of extra beta-2 agonist metered dose inhaler were recorded in a standardized protocol, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) was recorded once an hour until the patient went to bed. No association was found between reflux at either the proximal or the distal level of the oesophagus and bronchial symptoms or PEF reductions. We conclude that GO-reflux does not play an important role as an immediate trigger factor in bronchial asthma.