Asthma associated with gastroesophageal reflux
González Morales, J.E.; Leal de Hernández, L.; González Spencer, D.
Revista Alergia Mexico 45(1): 16-21
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-5151 PMID: 9608781 Document Number: 491923
In order to explore the association between poorly controllable asthma and gastroesophageal reflux (GER), a prospective clinical trial is presented. This trial included 28 patients with negative atopic indicators who presented difficulty in the management of their disease. All patients underwent a complete medical history as well as skin tests for common airborne allergens, total serum IgE, peripheral blood eosinophils, spirometry, chest X-ray and esophageal barium films. Additionally, esophageal endoscopy was performed on 9 patients, and esophageal manometry in 1 patient. All were submitted to antireflux therapy and received omeprazole and cisapride for 8 weeks. Complete improvement was observed in 24 patients (85.7%), moderate improvement in 3 patients (10.7%), and no improvement in 1 patient (3.6%). Three patients required antireflux surgery. Symptoms reappeared 2-3 weeks after suspending treatment, which led to the recommendation that antireflux measures become a way of life for these patients.