Gastroesophageal reflux and recurrent respiratory tract symptoms in childhood
Baer, M.; Ala-Laurila, E.L.; Arajärvi, P.; Karhumäki, L.; Ala-Kaila, K.; Visakorpi, J.K.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 96(20): 1337-1347
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 7227239 Document Number: 160882
The occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) as a cause of vomiting in early infancy is well known. Increasing information indicates the coexistence of GER and various types of recurrent and chronic respiratory tract disorders. Children (129) of various ages with recurrent respiratory tract symptoms, such as recurrent obstructive bronchitis and asthma, night cough, recurrent respiratory tract infections and atelectasis, cyanotic spells and apnea, etc. were investigated in order to ascertain GER. Radiological investigations revealed GER in 64% of the patients. These patients were further investigated by other methods for verification of GER. Esophagoscopy with biopsy, manometry and measurement of acid reflux were applied whenever technically feasible. In 69% of the patients with radiological GER, it was confirmed by at least 1 other method. GER was a fairly common finding in connection with recurrent respiratory tract disorders in this series of children. The possible causal relationship between GER and respiratory tract disorder, and possible therapeutic implications are still unknown and require further investigation.