Gastroesophageal reflux and diseases of the respiratory tract: a review.

Gastroesophageal reflux is an important cause of chronic respiratory disorders. In at least two common pulmonary conditions, chronic bronchitis and asthma, there may be a ying-yang association between the pulmonary disease and gastroesophageal reflux. Gastroesophageal-provoked disease needs to be evaluated in patients with chronic respiratory disease whose condition is progressing in spite of adequate medical therapy; whose history strongly supports this concept; and whose laboratory tests suggest a causal relationship. Recognition and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux, either medical or surgical, can benefit respiratory problems of many patients.