EFFECT OF CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL DYSFUNCTION ON BRONCHIAL-ASTHMA

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  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 62  (3) , 190-197
Abstract
Patients (62) with both bronchial asthma and esophageal dysfunction (OD) were randomized into an OD treatment group and a control group. Patients in the treatment group were given advice and medication for their OD. No changes were made in their existing asthma therapy. Patients in the control group were told that there was a suspicion of OD which should be rechecked in 2 mo. After 2 mo. the patients of the treatment group reported alleviation of their esophageal and bronchial symptoms signifiantly more frequently than patients of the control group. Fewer signs of OD were found after treatment than before. Lung function tests did not differ between the group treated for 2 mo. and the control group but there was a significant reduction in consumption of .beta. adrenergic stimulating drugs in the treatment group compared to the control group. Treatment of OD improves not only esophageal symptoms but also respiratory symptoms in asthmatic patients. OD should be ruled out in patients with bronchial asthma and treated whenever found.