Pulmonary complications of benign esophageal disease

Three patients with esophageal reflux and associated pulmonary complications are presented: one with a lung abscess, another with recurring pneumonitis that required hospitalization, and the third with bronchospasm or asthma secondary to reflux and chronic aspiration. Two were treated surgically by the repair of esophageal and pulmonary lesions. The third patient was treated medically, with resolution of pulmonary symptoms and improvement of pulmonary function. A review is presented of the association between esophageal and pulmonary problems and of the insidious complications that may result.