Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients with Asthma
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and asthma are among the most common diseases in outpatient practice. The relationship between these diseases is complex. Despite the high prevalence of GERD in patients with asthma it is still not clear whether GERD is a concomitant disease, a cause of asthma or an aggravating factor. The role of GERD in asthma pathogenesis become the subject of intense debate. In recent years, increased attention has been paid to extraesophageal manifestations of GERD, especially respiratory diseases. Treatment of GERD yields conflicting results and the effect of antireflux therapy on asthma course is ambiguous. Future studies may help to identify patients with asthma who will benefit from antireflux therapy. This article provides an overview of current knowledge about the role of GERD in patients with asthma.