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Gastroesophageal reflux and asthma
1Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, Illinois 60141, USA.
The American Journal of Medicine
|January 9, 1998
Summary
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is linked to asthma, with many asthmatics experiencing GER symptoms. Treatment trials for GER show potential benefits for asthma, highlighting the connection between these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and asthma are frequently co-occurring conditions.
- Epidemiological data indicate a significant association between GER and asthma, with a high prevalence of GER symptoms in asthmatic patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and asthma.
- To explore the epidemiological, mechanistic, and therapeutic aspects of the GER-asthma connection.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological evidence linking GER and asthma.
- Analysis of physiological mechanisms (vagally mediated pathway, microaspiration).
- Evaluation of clinical trials on antireflux medical and surgical therapies for asthma symptoms.
Main Results:
- Approximately 75% of asthmatics exhibit GER symptoms or esophagitis.
- Medical therapy (acid suppressors) shows limited to modest benefit, primarily for nocturnal asthma.
- Antireflux surgery has demonstrated significant subjective improvement in asthma symptoms in uncontrolled studies.
Conclusions:
- The co-existence of GER and asthma is significant and cannot be ignored.
- Clinical trials are crucial for assessing the efficacy of GER treatments on asthma symptoms.
- Further research is needed to establish definitive diagnostic methods and optimal therapeutic strategies.