Share

Chronic heartburn linked to asthma

accreditation
iStock

Chronic heartburn is a major cause of asthma in adults, a new study suggests.

The finding could help add asthma to the known health risks including oesophageal cancer already associated with chronic heartburn, which is formally known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and is one of the most common digestive disorders in Western nations.

GORD occurs when a muscle at the end of the oesophagus fails to close properly. This allows stomach contents to leak back (reflux) into the oesophagus and irritate it. GORD symptoms include frequent heartburn, chest discomfort, dry cough, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or sore throat, and regurgitation of food.

How the study was done

In this study, researchers used a new, specially designed catheter that measures levels of acid reflux exposure within the patient's airway. They believe that this new method (known by the acronym HMII) was much more effective than conventional techniques in identifying patients with GORD-induced asthma.

The researchers also found that for the majority of patients, asthma symptoms eased after they underwent surgery for GORD, according to the study published Jan. 23 in the journal JAMA Surgery.

"We have observed for some time a strong association between GORD and certain pulmonary [lung] diseases, including adult-onset asthma," study author Dr. Blair Jobe, director of the Institute for the Treatment of Esophageal and Thoracic Disease at the West Penn Allegheny Health System, said in a health system news release.

"The real challenge, however, has been our limited ability to effectively diagnose these patients and determine who precisely may benefit from surgical intervention," he added. According to Jobe, the newly devised test "is much more sensitive as means of detecting GERD in asthmatic patients than what we have traditionally relied upon."

The findings are strong enough to warrant consideration of HMII testing in adults with asthma that is not responding to asthma medications or in those who also have GORD symptoms, he said.

One expert wasn't surprised by the findings.

Common condition that affects millions

"GORD is a common condition affecting millions of Americans," noted Dr. David Bernstein, gastroenterologist and chief of the division of hepatology at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. He said that "reflux of gastric acid through the oesophagus and into the lungs is a common cause of chronic cough and asthma."

But it may be too early to advocate for widespread diagnostic testing using the new method, he added.

"This new technique is interesting and needs to be further evaluated before it can replace currently accepted diagnostic techniques," Bernstein said.

However, he believes that surgery is not always warranted for patients with reflux-linked asthma symptoms.

"Surgery for GERD-induced asthma is seldom necessary due to the ability of high-dose anti-acid medications in controlling the vast majority of reflux cases," Bernstein contends. "It is premature to recommend anti-reflux surgery without an adequate trial of anti-acid medications."

Read more:

Untreated heartburn a cancer risk

Heartburn reflux damages teeth

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has more about GERD.

(Copyright © 2013 HealthDay. All rights reserved.)

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE