Asthma and gastroesophageal reflux: Difference between revisions

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==Overview==
==Overview==
The underlying [[GERD|gastro-esophageal reflux disease]] predisposes the patient to have repetitive episodes of acid aspiration, which subsequently causes repeated airway inflammation and results in '''irritant-induced''' asthma.<ref name="pmid19157219">Cuevas Hernández MM, Arias Hernández RM (2008) [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19157219 [Pulmonary gammagraphy study in asthmatic children with gastroesophageal reflux].] ''Rev Alerg Mex'' 55 (6):229-33. PMID: [http://pubmed.gov/19157219 19157219]</ref><ref name="pmid6142759">Shapiro GG, Christie DL (1983) [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=6142759 Gastroesophageal reflux and asthma.] ''Clin Rev Allergy'' 1 (1):39-56. PMID: [http://pubmed.gov/6142759 6142759]</ref> The incidence of GERD in patients with asthma is approximately 38%. Asthmatics resistant to therapy are commonly associated with GERD, but identification and treatment of GERD has not shown to relate to the improvement in asthmatic control.<ref name="pmid15821199">Leggett JJ, Johnston BT, Mills M, Gamble J, Heaney LG (2005) [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=15821199 Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in difficult asthma: relationship to asthma outcome.] ''Chest'' 127 (4):1227-31. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1378/chest.127.4.1227 DOI:10.1378/chest.127.4.1227] PMID: [http://pubmed.gov/15821199 15821199]</ref>
The underlying [[GERD|gastro-esophageal reflux disease]] predisposes the patient to have repetitive episodes of acid aspiration, which subsequently causes repeated airway inflammation and results in irritant-induced asthma.<ref name="pmid19157219">Cuevas Hernández MM, Arias Hernández RM (2008) [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19157219 [Pulmonary gammagraphy study in asthmatic children with gastroesophageal reflux].] ''Rev Alerg Mex'' 55 (6):229-33. PMID: [http://pubmed.gov/19157219 19157219]</ref><ref name="pmid6142759">Shapiro GG, Christie DL (1983) [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=6142759 Gastroesophageal reflux and asthma.] ''Clin Rev Allergy'' 1 (1):39-56. PMID: [http://pubmed.gov/6142759 6142759]</ref> The incidence of GERD in patients with asthma is approximately 38%. Asthmatics resistant to therapy are commonly associated with GERD, but identification and treatment of GERD has not shown to relate to the improvement in asthmatic control.<ref name="pmid15821199">Leggett JJ, Johnston BT, Mills M, Gamble J, Heaney LG (2005) [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=15821199 Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in difficult asthma: relationship to asthma outcome.] ''Chest'' 127 (4):1227-31. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1378/chest.127.4.1227 DOI:10.1378/chest.127.4.1227] PMID: [http://pubmed.gov/15821199 15821199]</ref>


==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
There are four mechanisms proposed to explain the pathophysiology of development of asthma in patients with [[GERD]]:
There are three mechanisms proposed to explain the pathophysiology of development of asthma in patients with [[GERD]]:
# '''Vagal reflex:''' Both the esophagus and the bronchial tree are innervated by [[vagus nerve]] as they both share a common embryonic origin. Therefore when there is reflux of acid contents from the stomach into the esophagus, the receptors in esophagus are stimulated causing firing of vagus nerve which results in bronchospasm. This phenomenon was demonstrated by Mansfield and Stein by intraesophageal acid provocation test resulting in increased resistance to airflow<ref name="pmid707849">{{cite journal| author=Mansfield LE, Stein MR| title=Gastroesophageal reflux and asthma: a possible reflex mechanism. | journal=Ann Allergy | year= 1978 | volume= 41 | issue= 4 | pages= 224-6 | pmid=707849 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref> and further strengthened by another series involving 136 subjects<ref name="pmid2344943">{{cite journal| author=Wright RA, Miller SA, Corsello BF| title=Acid-induced esophagobronchial-cardiac reflexes in humans. | journal=Gastroenterology | year= 1990 | volume= 99 | issue= 1 | pages= 71-3 | pmid=2344943 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=2344943  }} </ref>. However, many studies failed to demonstrate a significant relationship between acid reflux and pulmonary function<ref name="pmid10084501">{{cite journal| author=Field SK| title=A critical review of the studies of the effects of simulated or real gastroesophageal reflux on pulmonary function in asthmatic adults. | journal=Chest | year= 1999 | volume= 115 | issue= 3 | pages= 848-56 | pmid=10084501 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref><ref name="pmid2350084">{{cite journal| author=Tan WC, Martin RJ, Pandey R, Ballard RD| title=Effects of spontaneous and simulated gastroesophageal reflux on sleeping asthmatics. | journal=Am Rev Respir Dis | year= 1990 | volume= 141 | issue= 6 | pages= 1394-9 | pmid=2350084 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref>.
#''Vagal reflex:'' Both the esophagus and the bronchial tree, as they share a common embryonic origin, are innervated by the [[vagus nerve]]. Therefore, when there is reflux of acid contents from the stomach into the esophagus, the receptors in the esophagus are stimulated causing the [[vagus nerve]] to fire, which results in a bronchospasm. This phenomenon was demonstrated by Mansfield and Stein by the intraesophageal acid provocation test, which resulted in an increased resistance to airflow.<ref name="pmid707849">{{cite journal| author=Mansfield LE, Stein MR| title=Gastroesophageal reflux and asthma: a possible reflex mechanism. | journal=Ann Allergy | year= 1978 | volume= 41 | issue= 4 | pages= 224-6 | pmid=707849 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref> It was further strengthened by another series involving 136 subjects.<ref name="pmid2344943">{{cite journal| author=Wright RA, Miller SA, Corsello BF| title=Acid-induced esophagobronchial-cardiac reflexes in humans. | journal=Gastroenterology | year= 1990 | volume= 99 | issue= 1 | pages= 71-3 | pmid=2344943 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=2344943  }} </ref> However, many studies failed to demonstrate a significant relationship between acid reflux and pulmonary function.<ref name="pmid10084501">{{cite journal| author=Field SK| title=A critical review of the studies of the effects of simulated or real gastroesophageal reflux on pulmonary function in asthmatic adults. | journal=Chest | year= 1999 | volume= 115 | issue= 3 | pages= 848-56 | pmid=10084501 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref><ref name="pmid2350084">{{cite journal| author=Tan WC, Martin RJ, Pandey R, Ballard RD| title=Effects of spontaneous and simulated gastroesophageal reflux on sleeping asthmatics. | journal=Am Rev Respir Dis | year= 1990 | volume= 141 | issue= 6 | pages= 1394-9 | pmid=2350084 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref>
#'''Heightened Bronchial Reactivity:''' Acid reflux into esophagus, increases the bronchial response to other stimuli. This was demonstrated by increased bronchial response to methacholine challenge test<ref name="pmid3096180">{{cite journal| author=Herve P, Denjean A, Jian R, Simonneau G, Duroux P| title=Intraesophageal perfusion of acid increases the bronchomotor response to methacholine and to isocapnic hyperventilation in asthmatic subjects. | journal=Am Rev Respir Dis | year= 1986 | volume= 134 | issue= 5 | pages= 986-9 | pmid=3096180 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref>.
#''Heightened Bronchial Reactivity:'' Acid reflux into the esophagus increases the bronchial response to other stimuli. This was demonstrated by increased bronchial response to methacholine challenge test.<ref name="pmid3096180">{{cite journal| author=Herve P, Denjean A, Jian R, Simonneau G, Duroux P| title=Intraesophageal perfusion of acid increases the bronchomotor response to methacholine and to isocapnic hyperventilation in asthmatic subjects. | journal=Am Rev Respir Dis | year= 1986 | volume= 134 | issue= 5 | pages= 986-9 | pmid=3096180 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref>
#''Microaspiration:'' Microaspiration of acidic contents from stomach into the upper airways and bronchial tree was shown to stimulate bronchial receptors resulting in broncho-constriction in asthmatic patients.<ref name="pmid7701464">{{cite journal| author=Jack CI, Calverley PM, Donnelly RJ, Tran J, Russell G, Hind CR et al.| title=Simultaneous tracheal and oesophageal pH measurements in asthmatic patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux. | journal=Thorax | year= 1995 | volume= 50 | issue= 2 | pages= 201-4 | pmid=7701464 | doi= | pmc=PMC473925 | url= }} </ref> A murine study demonstrated that microaspiration of gastric contents caused an immune response similar to that observed in asthma.<ref name="pmid18717828">{{cite journal| author=Barbas AS, Downing TE, Balsara KR, Tan HE, Rubinstein GJ, Holzknecht ZE et al.| title=Chronic aspiration shifts the immune response from Th1 to Th2 in a murine model of asthma. | journal=Eur J Clin Invest | year= 2008 | volume= 38 | issue= 8 | pages= 596-602 | pmid=18717828 | doi=10.1111/j.1365-2362.2008.01976.x | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=18717828  }} </ref> However, a prospective single blinded study failed to demonstrate any significant bronchoconstriction with acid reflux into the airways.<ref name="pmid7587420">{{cite journal| author=Harding SM, Schan CA, Guzzo MR, Alexander RW, Bradley LA, Richter JE| title=Gastroesophageal reflux-induced bronchoconstriction. Is microaspiration a factor? | journal=Chest | year= 1995 | volume= 108 | issue= 5 | pages= 1220-7 | pmid=7587420 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref>
 
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
[[GERD]] is commonly seen among patients with asthma. The prevalence ranges between 34%-89%.<ref name="pmid9149599">{{cite journal| author=Harding SM, Richter JE| title=The role of gastroesophageal reflux in chronic cough and asthma. | journal=Chest | year= 1997 | volume= 111 | issue= 5 | pages= 1389-402 | pmid=9149599 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref><ref name="pmid15579368">{{cite journal| author=Harding SM| title=Gastroesophageal reflux: a potential asthma trigger. | journal=Immunol Allergy Clin North Am | year= 2005 | volume= 25 | issue= 1 | pages= 131-48 | pmid=15579368 | doi=10.1016/j.iac.2004.09.006 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=15579368  }} </ref><ref name="pmid15539717">{{cite journal| author=Kiljander TO, Laitinen JO| title=The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in adult asthmatics. | journal=Chest | year= 2004 | volume= 126 | issue= 5 | pages= 1490-4 | pmid=15539717 | doi=10.1378/chest.126.5.1490 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=15539717  }} </ref><ref name="pmid8620699">{{cite journal| author=Field SK, Underwood M, Brant R, Cowie RL| title=Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in asthma. | journal=Chest | year= 1996 | volume= 109 | issue= 2 | pages= 316-22 | pmid=8620699 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref><ref name="pmid10513887">{{cite journal| author=Harding SM| title=Nocturnal asthma: role of nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux. | journal=Chronobiol Int | year= 1999 | volume= 16 | issue= 5 | pages= 641-62 | pmid=10513887 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref>
 
==Diagnosis==
===History and Symptoms===
Patients may present with the following symptoms after eating a high fat meal or foods that lower the lower esophageal sphincter pressure:
*[[Chest pain]]
*Coughing in supine position
*[[Dyspnea]]
*[[Heartburn]]
*[[Hoarseness]]
*Loss of dental enamel
*Regurgitation of foods/liquids
*Sensation of lump in throat
*[[Sore throat]]
*Water Brash (regurgitation of excessive saliva)
 
===Chest X Ray===
The chest x-ray in asthmatics is often normal. It is done to exclude other causes of [[wheeze]] and aid in the diagnosis of complications such as [[atelectasis]] and [[pneumonia]].
 
===Other Diagnostic Studies===
*''Esophageal pH testing:'' Presence of symptoms of [[GERD]], which is refractory to [[proton pump inhibitor|proton pump inhibitors]], should undergo esophageal pH testing. This helps in correlating the symptoms of asthma with gastro-esophageal reflux.<ref name="pmid15654800">{{cite journal| author=DeVault KR, Castell DO, American College of Gastroenterology| title=Updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. | journal=Am J Gastroenterol | year= 2005 | volume= 100 | issue= 1 | pages= 190-200 | pmid=15654800 | doi=10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.41217.x | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=15654800  }} </ref>
*''Upper GI endoscopy:'' Endoscopy, though not indicated in diagnosis of asthma in GERD, may be done to exclude the presence of [[Barrett's esophagus]].
 
==Treatment==
Treatment of asthma in GERD mainly pertains to treatment of [[GERD]]. Therefore, patients with poorly controlled asthma should be evaluated for GERD even in the absence of gastric reflux symptoms.
 
===Primary Prevention===
*Patients should be advised to avoid heavy meals, fried foods, caffeine and alcohol.<ref name="pmid17983880">{{cite journal| author=National Asthma Education and Prevention Program| title=Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR-3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma-Summary Report 2007. | journal=J Allergy Clin Immunol | year= 2007 | volume= 120 | issue= 5 Suppl | pages= S94-138 | pmid=17983880 | doi=10.1016/j.jaci.2007.09.043 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17983880  }} </ref>
*Patients should be advised to avoid meals or drinks at least for 3 hours before sleep.<ref name="pmid17983880">{{cite journal| author=National Asthma Education and Prevention Program| title=Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR-3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma-Summary Report 2007. | journal=J Allergy Clin Immunol | year= 2007 | volume= 120 | issue= 5 Suppl | pages= S94-138 | pmid=17983880 | doi=10.1016/j.jaci.2007.09.043 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17983880  }} </ref>
*Elevating the head end of the bed is also shown to improve the symptoms.<ref name="pmid17983880">{{cite journal| author=National Asthma Education and Prevention Program| title=Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR-3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma-Summary Report 2007. | journal=J Allergy Clin Immunol | year= 2007 | volume= 120 | issue= 5 Suppl | pages= S94-138 | pmid=17983880 | doi=10.1016/j.jaci.2007.09.043 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17983880  }} </ref>
 
===Secondary Prevention===
*''[[Proton pump inhibitor]]s:'' [[Omeprazole]] demonstrates an improvement in the symptoms of asthma and peak expiratory flow rates in asthmatics with [[GERD]] symptoms.<ref name="pmid8610725">{{cite journal| author=Harding SM, Richter JE, Guzzo MR, Schan CA, Alexander RW, Bradley LA| title=Asthma and gastroesophageal reflux: acid suppressive therapy improves asthma outcome. | journal=Am J Med | year= 1996 | volume= 100 | issue= 4 | pages= 395-405 | pmid=8610725 | doi=10.1016/S0002-9343(97)89514-9 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=8610725  }} </ref> Dosage of 40mg/day is recommended.<ref name="pmid10559084">{{cite journal| author=Kiljander TO, Salomaa ER, Hietanen EK, Terho EO| title=Gastroesophageal reflux in asthmatics: A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study with omeprazole. | journal=Chest | year= 1999 | volume= 116 | issue= 5 | pages= 1257-64 | pmid=10559084 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref>
 
[[Lansoprazole]] has shown to decrease the number of episodes of asthma exacerbations though it does not improve the asthmatic symptoms.<ref name="pmid16162697">{{cite journal| author=Littner MR, Leung FW, Ballard ED, Huang B, Samra NK, Lansoprazole Asthma Study Group| title=Effects of 24 weeks of lansoprazole therapy on asthma symptoms, exacerbations, quality of life, and pulmonary function in adult asthmatic patients with acid reflux symptoms. | journal=Chest | year= 2005 | volume= 128 | issue= 3 | pages= 1128-35 | pmid=16162697 | doi=10.1378/chest.128.3.1128 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16162697  }} </ref> [[Esomeprazole]] improves peak expiratory flow in subjects with asthma who presents with both [[GERD]] and nocturnal symptoms.<ref name="pmid16357331">{{cite journal| author=Kiljander TO, Harding SM, Field SK, Stein MR, Nelson HS, Ekelund J et al.| title=Effects of esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily on asthma: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. | journal=Am J Respir Crit Care Med | year= 2006 | volume= 173 | issue= 10 | pages= 1091-7 | pmid=16357331 | doi=10.1164/rccm.200507-1167OC | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16357331  }}  [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17213169 Review in: Evid Based Med. 2006 Dec;11(6):175] </ref>
 
===Future or Investigational Therapies===
The role of [[fundoplication]] in patients with asthma and GERD has not yet been established. A meta-analysis of 24 studies concluded that the surgery improved asthma symptoms by 79% but had little effect on expiratory flow rate.<ref name="pmid10492285">{{cite journal| author=Field SK, Gelfand GA, McFadden SD| title=The effects of antireflux surgery on asthmatics with gastroesophageal reflux. | journal=Chest | year= 1999 | volume= 116 | issue= 3 | pages= 766-74 | pmid=10492285 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref> Surgical therapy has been found superior to the H<sub>2</sub> antagonist. However, the benefit from surgery was not found to be different from those treated with [[proton pump inhibitor|proton pump inhibitors]].<ref>Williams DB, Schade RR. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. In: DiPiro JT, Talbert RL, Yee GC, et al.Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2005:613-628.</ref>
 
==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}
{{WH}}
{{WS}}


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Latest revision as of 20:30, 29 July 2020

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Varun Kumar, M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

The underlying gastro-esophageal reflux disease predisposes the patient to have repetitive episodes of acid aspiration, which subsequently causes repeated airway inflammation and results in irritant-induced asthma.[1][2] The incidence of GERD in patients with asthma is approximately 38%. Asthmatics resistant to therapy are commonly associated with GERD, but identification and treatment of GERD has not shown to relate to the improvement in asthmatic control.[3]

Pathophysiology

There are three mechanisms proposed to explain the pathophysiology of development of asthma in patients with GERD:

  1. Vagal reflex: Both the esophagus and the bronchial tree, as they share a common embryonic origin, are innervated by the vagus nerve. Therefore, when there is reflux of acid contents from the stomach into the esophagus, the receptors in the esophagus are stimulated causing the vagus nerve to fire, which results in a bronchospasm. This phenomenon was demonstrated by Mansfield and Stein by the intraesophageal acid provocation test, which resulted in an increased resistance to airflow.[4] It was further strengthened by another series involving 136 subjects.[5] However, many studies failed to demonstrate a significant relationship between acid reflux and pulmonary function.[6][7]
  2. Heightened Bronchial Reactivity: Acid reflux into the esophagus increases the bronchial response to other stimuli. This was demonstrated by increased bronchial response to methacholine challenge test.[8]
  3. Microaspiration: Microaspiration of acidic contents from stomach into the upper airways and bronchial tree was shown to stimulate bronchial receptors resulting in broncho-constriction in asthmatic patients.[9] A murine study demonstrated that microaspiration of gastric contents caused an immune response similar to that observed in asthma.[10] However, a prospective single blinded study failed to demonstrate any significant bronchoconstriction with acid reflux into the airways.[11]

Epidemiology and Demographics

GERD is commonly seen among patients with asthma. The prevalence ranges between 34%-89%.[12][13][14][15][16]

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Patients may present with the following symptoms after eating a high fat meal or foods that lower the lower esophageal sphincter pressure:

Chest X Ray

The chest x-ray in asthmatics is often normal. It is done to exclude other causes of wheeze and aid in the diagnosis of complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia.

Other Diagnostic Studies

  • Esophageal pH testing: Presence of symptoms of GERD, which is refractory to proton pump inhibitors, should undergo esophageal pH testing. This helps in correlating the symptoms of asthma with gastro-esophageal reflux.[17]
  • Upper GI endoscopy: Endoscopy, though not indicated in diagnosis of asthma in GERD, may be done to exclude the presence of Barrett's esophagus.

Treatment

Treatment of asthma in GERD mainly pertains to treatment of GERD. Therefore, patients with poorly controlled asthma should be evaluated for GERD even in the absence of gastric reflux symptoms.

Primary Prevention

  • Patients should be advised to avoid heavy meals, fried foods, caffeine and alcohol.[18]
  • Patients should be advised to avoid meals or drinks at least for 3 hours before sleep.[18]
  • Elevating the head end of the bed is also shown to improve the symptoms.[18]

Secondary Prevention

Lansoprazole has shown to decrease the number of episodes of asthma exacerbations though it does not improve the asthmatic symptoms.[21] Esomeprazole improves peak expiratory flow in subjects with asthma who presents with both GERD and nocturnal symptoms.[22]

Future or Investigational Therapies

The role of fundoplication in patients with asthma and GERD has not yet been established. A meta-analysis of 24 studies concluded that the surgery improved asthma symptoms by 79% but had little effect on expiratory flow rate.[23] Surgical therapy has been found superior to the H2 antagonist. However, the benefit from surgery was not found to be different from those treated with proton pump inhibitors.[24]

References

  1. Cuevas Hernández MM, Arias Hernández RM (2008) [Pulmonary gammagraphy study in asthmatic children with gastroesophageal reflux.] Rev Alerg Mex 55 (6):229-33. PMID: 19157219
  2. Shapiro GG, Christie DL (1983) Gastroesophageal reflux and asthma. Clin Rev Allergy 1 (1):39-56. PMID: 6142759
  3. Leggett JJ, Johnston BT, Mills M, Gamble J, Heaney LG (2005) Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in difficult asthma: relationship to asthma outcome. Chest 127 (4):1227-31. DOI:10.1378/chest.127.4.1227 PMID: 15821199
  4. Mansfield LE, Stein MR (1978). "Gastroesophageal reflux and asthma: a possible reflex mechanism". Ann Allergy. 41 (4): 224–6. PMID 707849.
  5. Wright RA, Miller SA, Corsello BF (1990). "Acid-induced esophagobronchial-cardiac reflexes in humans". Gastroenterology. 99 (1): 71–3. PMID 2344943.
  6. Field SK (1999). "A critical review of the studies of the effects of simulated or real gastroesophageal reflux on pulmonary function in asthmatic adults". Chest. 115 (3): 848–56. PMID 10084501.
  7. Tan WC, Martin RJ, Pandey R, Ballard RD (1990). "Effects of spontaneous and simulated gastroesophageal reflux on sleeping asthmatics". Am Rev Respir Dis. 141 (6): 1394–9. PMID 2350084.
  8. Herve P, Denjean A, Jian R, Simonneau G, Duroux P (1986). "Intraesophageal perfusion of acid increases the bronchomotor response to methacholine and to isocapnic hyperventilation in asthmatic subjects". Am Rev Respir Dis. 134 (5): 986–9. PMID 3096180.
  9. Jack CI, Calverley PM, Donnelly RJ, Tran J, Russell G, Hind CR; et al. (1995). "Simultaneous tracheal and oesophageal pH measurements in asthmatic patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux". Thorax. 50 (2): 201–4. PMC 473925. PMID 7701464.
  10. Barbas AS, Downing TE, Balsara KR, Tan HE, Rubinstein GJ, Holzknecht ZE; et al. (2008). "Chronic aspiration shifts the immune response from Th1 to Th2 in a murine model of asthma". Eur J Clin Invest. 38 (8): 596–602. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2362.2008.01976.x. PMID 18717828.
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