effect of antireflux treatment on pulmonary functions and bronchial responsiveness in patients with non - allergic asthma associated with gastro - esophageal reflux

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted on 100 non allergic asthmatic patients. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed for all patients and revealed the presence of gastroesophageal reflux [GER] in 38 patients [38%]. According to the results of endoscopy, patients were classified into four groups. Group I included 13 asthmatic patients associated with GER. They received the classic dose of antireflux medication for 12 weeks. Group II included 13 asthmatic patients associated with GER they received double the classic dose of antireflux medication for 12 weeks. Group III included 12 asthmatic patients associated with GER. They did not receive antireflux therapy. Group IV included 13 asthmatic patients not associated with reflux. They received the classic dose of antireflux therapy for 12 weeks. For all the patients ventilatory function tests, bronchial responsiveness to methacholine and endoscopy were done and repeated after 3 months to evaluate the effect of antireflux therapy on them. In groups I and II, there was marked improvement in the endoscopic findings of GER after treatment. In group II all the parameters of ventilatory function tests were found to be statistically significantly higher after treatment when compared to that before treatment. In groups I and II, PD20 was significantly higher after treatment when compared to that before treatment. It could be concluded that GER is common among asthmatics. Asthma associated with GER can be improved by adequate antireflux therapy taken for at least 12 weeks