GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE AND ASTHMA - DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT

Gastroesophageal reflux is common among asthmatics. It not only may wo rsen during an episode of airways obstruction but also may serve as a trigger for such an attack. Both animal and clinical data suggest that gastroesophageal reflux serves as a trigger of bronchospasm, potentia tes the bronchomotor response to additional triggers, or both. Patient s with reflux-associated asthma may manifest symptoms of gastroesophag eal reflux, either classic or atypical, but approximately 25% to 30% h ave clinically silent reflux. Despite the use of inadequate doses of a cid-suppressive medicines, clinical trials have documented improvement in respiratory symptoms among asthmatics following the treatment of r eflux. Recent trials suggest long-term improvement in respiratory symp toms following antireflux surgery. Selected patients with asthma shoul d be evaluated for gastroesophageal reflux. If it is present, such pat ients may benefit from aggressive antireflux therapy.