Hiatus hernia and the respiratory tract

Hoarseness, asthma, and bronchitis are common but sometimes obscure manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux, the etiology of when respiratory symptoms predominate. In 300 consecutive patients who underwent surgical correction for gastroesophageal reflux, 129 (43%) had major respiratory complaints. Group 1 patients (82, 64%) were those referred for respiratory problems alone. In Group 2 (patients referred because of peptic complaints), 47 had associated respiratory problems in various combinations, including an additional 10 patients who had bronchiectasis. Treatment with appropriate surgical resection, in addition to antireflux procedures, was carried out in these people. Noticeable relief of respiratory symptoms was obtained in 96 (74%) of the 129 patients; 30 were improved and 2 were unchanged. Recurrent hiatus hernia or esophagitis was documented in 21 (7%) of the 300 patients.