title: Ambulatory pH monitoring of gastro-oesophageal reflux in "morning dipper" asthmatics.
abstract: A causal relation between gastro-oesophageal reflux and nocturnal asthma has been postulated. Forty four adult asthmatics underwent ambulatory monitoring of their oesophageal pH over 24 hours to find out if there was such a relation. Of these 21 showed significant "morning dipping" in which the peak expiratory flow falls during the night. Asthmatics with morning dipping had a history of nocturnal wheeze and a higher incidence of reflux symptoms, but measurement of oesophageal pH showed no significant difference in the amount or pattern of reflux when compared with "non-dippers." Overall, 15 asthmatics had gastro-oesophageal reflux, and these participated in a randomised, double blind crossover trial of ranitidine versus placebo. No significant difference was found in the peak expiratory flow rates or subjective evaluation of well being of the patients.
authors.affiliation: Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Shropshire.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Nagel
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Perks
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Kerr
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004947:Esophagus / Q000503:physiopathology; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D011897:Random Allocation; D011899:Ranitidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D011899:Ranitidine