Does acid reflux cause pulmonary disease?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastroesophageal reflux is considered as a factor in pulmonary diseases. The aim of this study was to assess whether gastroesophageal reflux is associated with abnormalities in lung function in patients without respiratory disease.

METHODS

Forty- four patients with reflux symptoms were studied prospectively. Standardized methods of esophageal manometry and ambulatory 24-h esophageal pH testing were used throughout the study period, along with a standardized reflux and respiratory symptom questionnaire. Spirometric measurements were performed in all patients.

RESULTS

Reflux to distal esophagus was observed in 9 patients, to proximal esophagus in 4 and to both distal and proximal in 20 of the 44 patients. Eleven patients revealed reflux neither to distal nor proximal esophagus. Respiratory function tests of these groups showed no significant differences (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

There is no correlation between esophageal acid events and respiratory function tests. There are no data to answer the question of whether or not reflux precedes onset of cough/asthma. Better-designed prospective cohort studies may provide further insight.