IS GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX A FACTOR IN EXERCISE-INDUCED ASTHMA

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) occurs in the majority of p atients with asthma. The relationship between asthma and gastro-oesoph ageal reflux (GER) is well defined, and the reports of exertional gast rooesophageal acid reflux in healthy subjects, prompted us to study th e relationship between EIB and GER. Following an overnight fast and me dication withholding, 15 asthmatics and 15 normal subjects were placed on continuous monitoring of oesophageal pH and ECG. After baseline mo nitoring of oesophageal pH, at rest, for 30 min, spirometry was pel fo rmed. Thereafter, the subjects underwent rigorous treadmill exercise f or 8 min followed by spirometry. 10 min after running. Twelve out of 1 5 asthmatics and none in the control group demonstrated significant fa ll in FEV, in response to exercise. However. only six out of 15 normal subjects and three ill the asthmatic group had evidence of GER during or following exercise. dWe concluded that there is no significant cor relation between EIB and GER in patients with asthma.