[Gastroesophageal reflux and airway disease]

Gastroesophageal reflux may cause a variety of airway diseases such as asthma, aspiration pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, posterior laryngitis, and ulceration or polyp formation on the vocal cords. Among these asthma seems most common and important clinically. Reflux not only may trigger and aggravate an episode of airway obstruction but also may contribute to nocturnal symptoms. Both clinical and experimental observations suggest that the pathogenetic mechanism may be a vagal reflux following stimulation of lower esophageal receptors and/or microaspiration of gastric acid into the trachea. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical history of asthma and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, but in some cases, diagnostic tests such as 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring may be necessary. General measures to avoid reflux and an H2-receptor antagonist together with supportive gastric medications may be the standard treatment. If symptoms persist, proton pump inhibitor may be helpful. Antireflux surgery may provide long-term improvements. Although surgical treatment is indicated only in patients with intractable esophagitis at present, it may be used more commonly through a laparoscopic approach in the near future.