Bronchial hyperreactivity in non-atopic children with asthma and reflux: effect of anti-reflux treatment.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) or the effect of anti-reflux treatment on BHR in children with asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not known.


METHODS
Thirty non-atopic children with persistent asthma were studied. Extended esophageal pH monitoring was used to diagnose GERD and methacholine challenge test (MCT) was used as a marker of BHR and performed before and 2 years after anti-GERD treatment.


RESULTS
Of the 21 patients positive for GERD (group A), 15 had positive MCT suggesting BHR. Of the 9 patients negative for GERD (group B), 5 had positive MCT. On repeat testing 2 years later, 11/15 group A patients and 3/5 group B patients tested negative for BHR. Group A patients were receiving fewer asthma medications and experienced fewer exacerbations than Group B patients.


CONCLUSIONS
BHR is prevalent in children with asthma and GERD and improves with anti-GERD treatment.
Khoshoo
Vikram
V
West Jefferson Medical Center, Marrero, LA 70072, USA. vkhoshoo@sbcglobal.net
Mohnot
Sopan
S
Haydel
Robert
R
Saturno
Emilio
E
Edell
Dean
D
Kobernick
Aaron
A
D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D002648:Child; D050782:Esophageal pH Monitoring; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors