Associations between respiratory symptoms, lung function and gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms in a population-based birth cohort

2006

Link Between Respiratory Symptoms and Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux in Young Adults

Sample size: 1037 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hancox Robert J, Poulton Richie, Taylor D Robin, Greene Justina M, McLachlan Christene R, Cowan Jan O, Flannery Erin M, Herbison G Peter, Sears Malcolm R, Talley Nicholas J

Primary Institution: Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago

Hypothesis

If asthma predisposes to gastro-oesophageal reflux, then long-standing persistent asthma would be associated with the highest risk of reflux symptoms.

Conclusion

Reflux symptoms are associated with respiratory symptoms in young adults independently of body mass index.

Supporting Evidence

Heartburn and acid regurgitation symptoms were significantly associated with asthma and wheeze.
Persistent wheezing since childhood was linked to increased risk of reflux symptoms.
Reflux symptoms were more common in women and associated with airflow obstruction.

Takeaway

This study found that people with heartburn and acid reflux often also have asthma and other breathing problems, especially women.

Methodology

The study followed a birth cohort of 1037 individuals from childhood to age 26, assessing respiratory symptoms and gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms.