An Altered Pulmonary Function – A Cause or Consequence of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the pulmonary function in Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients without respiratory symptoms. Background: GERD is reported to adversely impact the pulmonary functions. GERD is associated with symptomatic asthma and chronic cough. Pulmonary functions are studied in symptomatic asthma patients with GERD. Treatment of GERD improves the respiratory symptoms and decreases the medication needed for the management of asthma. This study was undertaken to evaluate the pulmonary functions in GERD patients without respiratory symptoms. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in clinically diagnosed GERD cases (18 males and 15 females), confirmed by endoscopic examination without respiratory symptoms. Age, gender and anthropometrically matched healthy subjects served as controls. Pulmonary functions (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio and PEFR) were recorded using a computerized spirometer (Spirobank G) in sitting position. Percentage of predicted values was expressed as mean ± SD and was used for comparison. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in FVC, FEV1 and PEFR in GERD patients without respiratory symptoms compared to controls (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that subjects suffering from GERD without respiratory symptoms also have an altered pulmonary function showing predominantly obstructive type with mild to moderate restrictive airway changes