[Broncho-pulmonary manifestations and gastroesophageal reflux]

In 196 cases of gastro-oesophageal reflux, simple or connected to a hiatal hernia or to a cardio-tuberous misplacement, the respiratory signs that are found in 1 patient out of 4, are analyzed. The nocturnal fits of coughing (39 cases, 20% of the reflux) is the most frequent sign of laryngo-tracheal aspiration of stomach content. This symptom of great diagnostic value, though neglected, should be looked for systematically. Other troubles are less frequent: bouts of recurring broncho-pulmonary infections, asthma attack, Mendelson's syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis. In absence of a patent cause, the symptoms should lead to suspect a reflux of stomach content in the airways. Similarly to oesophagitis, respiratory signs represent a complication sometimes serious, of gastro-oesophageal reflux, needing more frequently a surgical treatment of hiatal herniae or of the cardiac inefficiency.