Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in asthma.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalences of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux (GER), reflux-associated respiratory symptoms (RARS), and reflux-associated beta-agonist inhaler use in asthmatics.


METHODS
Questionnaire-based, cross-sectional analytic survey.


METHODS
Outpatient asthma and clinical research clinics attached to the University of Calgary tertiary care centre and two family practices.


METHODS
Asthma group consisted of 109 patients referred to an outpatient asthma clinic. First control group consisted of 68 patients visiting their family physicians. Second control group consisted of 67 patients with thyroid disease, hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes participating in drug trials.


RESULTS
Among the asthmatics, 77%, 55%, and 24% experienced heartburn, regurgitation, and swallowing difficulties, respectively. Symptoms were less prevalent in the control groups. At least one antireflux medication was required by 37% of asthmatics (p < 0.001, vs controls). None of the asthma medications were associated with an increased likelihood of symptomatic GER. In the week prior to completing the questionnaire, 41% of the asthmatics noted RARS, including cough, dyspnea, and wheeze and 28% used their inhalers while experiencing GER symptoms. Inhaler use correlated with the severity of heartburn (r = 0.28, p < 0.05) and regurgitation (r = 0.40, p < 0.05)


CONCLUSIONS
The questionnaire demonstrated a greater prevalence of GER symptoms, RARS, and reflux-associated inhaler use in asthmatics. This excessive inhaler use may explain how GER indirectly causes asthma to worsen.
Field
S K
SK
Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Underwood
M
M
Brant
R
R
Cowie
R L
RL
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents