Respiratory complications of gastroesophageal reflux.
Gastroesophageal reflux may predispose patients to pulmonary complications such as bronchospasm and aspiration pneumonitis. This is especially true in patients who are critically ill, those with reflux-induced asthma and those undergoing general anesthesia. Decreasing the amount of acid reflux reduces the potential for respiratory complications. In patients at risk, administration of H2-receptor antagonists minimizes the risk of acid aspiration and resolves asthma symptoms.
D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors
D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists