Gastroesophageal reflux disease related asthma:From preliminary studies to clinical practice

摘要

The diagnosis of asthma requires the presence of episodic respiratory difficulties characterized by variable and reversible airway obstruction. It has a high prevalence worldwide and is traditionally considered to be an allergic disease. Most cases are responsive to treatment with bronchodilators and anti-inflammatories, as recommendedby national and international guidelines; however, appro-ximately 10% of asthmatic patients are refractory even to optimal therapy. Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) is a common disorder in asthmatic patients and the two disorders may be linked pathophysiologically. Here we review data from preliminary studies that suggest asthma could be induced or exacerbated by gastroesophageal reflux. The optimal strategies for the diagnosis of GERDrelated asthma and its therapy are still debated. However, there is evidence to suggest that antireflux treatment is effective and practical for asthmatic patients with welldefined reflux disease.