Korean J Gastroenterol.  2011 Oct;58(4):178-183. 10.4166/kjg.2011.58.4.178.

Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Asthmatics with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

• Lee YB
• Lim JH
• Choi YJ
• Kim JY
• Son JH
• Choi SM
• Jo HJ
• Shin CM
• Lee SH
• Park YS
• Hwang JH
• Kim JW
• Jeong SH
• Kim N
• Lee DH
• Jung HC
• Song IS

• KMID: 1718425
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2011.58.4.178

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in asthma patients. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy improves symptoms of asthma in some patients. The objective of this study was to investigate endoscopic findings of GERD in asthma patients and to assess the effect of gastric acid suppression with the PPIs on symptom improvement and pulmonary function.
METHODS
From 105 consecutive patients with GERD symptoms during follow up for asthma, 45 patients were enrolled. Patients enrolled to this study were asked about GERD symptoms before and after treating with PPI. Endoscopic findings were described according to Los Angeles classification. The improvement of asthma symptoms and follow-up pulmonary function test were investigated after administration of PPIs.
RESULTS
Esophageal symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux were present in 25 patients (55.6%), and patients without esophageal symptoms were 20 (44.4%). The degree of endoscopic abnormality was not significantly different between groups with or without esophageal symptoms. The improvement of symptoms was seen in 44 patients (97.8%) except 1 patient after administration of PPIs. The number of patients classified to the low-dose group was 7 patients (15.6%) and that of patients classified to the standard-dose group was 38 patients (84.4%). The follow-up pulmonary function test, peak expiratory flow rate (L/sec) was improved in 3 patients (3 of 7, 42.9%) of the low-dose group, and in 24 patients (24 of 38, 63.2%) of the standard-dose group. The improvement of ventilatory function was not significantly different according to dose of PPIs.
CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with PPIs is expected to improve subjective symptoms and ventilatory function in asthma patients.

Keyword

Asthma; Gastroesophageal reflux; Proton pump inhibitors; Peak expiratory flow rate

MeSH Terms

Adrenergic beta-Agonists/therapeutic use
Adult
Aged
Asthma/*complications/drug therapy
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Gastroesophageal Reflux/complications/*drug therapy
Gastroscopy
Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
Proton Pump Inhibitors/*therapeutic use
Treatment Outcome

Reference

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