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Role of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Older Children With Persistent Asthma^*

^* From the West Jefferson Medical Center, New Orleans, LA.

Correspondence to: Vikram Khoshoo, MD, PhD, 4709 Butternut Place, Midland, MI 48640; e-mail: vkhoshoo{at}earthlink.net

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) plays a role in inducing or exacerbating asthma.

Methods: We evaluated asthma outcome before and after anti-GER treatment in older children (age range, 5 to 10.5 years) who had persistent moderate asthma and were being treated with short- and long-acting bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, and leukotriene antagonists. Forty-six such consecutive children underwent extended esophageal pH monitoring. Of the 27 patients (59%) who had evidence of GER disease, 18 patients underwent medical treatment (lifestyle changes, proton pump inhibitors, and prokinetics) and 9 patients opted for surgical treatment (Nissen fundoplication) of GER. Of the 19 patients with normal pH study findings, 8 patients underwent empiric medical anti-GER treatment and the remaining 11 patients served as a control group. Data on all patients were collected from 6 months prior to performing the pH studies and for 12 months after initiation of anti-GER treatment. The frequency of oral and inhaled corticosteroids, short- and long-acting bronchodilators, and leukotriene antagonists was prospectively recorded.

Results: There was a significant reduction in the use of short- and long-acting bronchodilators as well as inhaled corticosteroids after anti-GER treatment was instituted in patients with GER disease (p < 0.05). Two patients (25%) without evidence of GER disease showed significant reduction in need for asthma medication after anti-GER treatment, but none of the patients without GER disease and no GER treatment showed any significant reduction in the need for asthma medications.

Conclusions: Anti-GER treatment in patients with GER disease and asthma results in a significant reduction in the requirement of asthma medications.

Key Words: asthma • asthma medications • gastroesophageal reflux

This article has been cited by other articles:

				A. M. Ravelli, M. B. Panarotto, L. Verdoni, V. Consolati, and S. Bolognini Pulmonary Aspiration Shown by Scintigraphy in Gastroesophageal Reflux-Related Respiratory Disease. Chest, November 1, 2006; 130(5): 1520 - 1526. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				B. K. Rubin What Does It Mean When a Patient Says, "My Asthma Medication Is Not Working?" Chest, September 1, 2004; 126(3): 972 - 981. [Full Text] [PDF]

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