Reflux, heartburn (GERD) and COPD

Numerous studies have linked chronic heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and bronchial asthma. Several studies have shown that GERD contributes to asthma via multiple mechanisms including aspiration and esophago-bronchial reflexes. Similar mechanisms could be in play in exacerbation of COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is frequently caused by smoking.

Dr. Rascon-Aguilar and colleagues from University of Florida Health Science Center in Jacksonville, Florida recently studied this issue. They wished to examine the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms patients with COPD and the effect of reflux on the rate of COPD exacerbations and published their findings in the journal Chest (October 2006).

These investigators conducted a questionnaire-based, cross sectional survey in patients with an established diagnosis of COPD.

Of the 86 patients studied, 37% reported symptoms of reflux. They found that patients with chronic reflux symptoms suffer twice as many exacerbations of COPD as compared to those without reflux.

The authors concluded that presence of GER symptoms is associated with increased exacerbations of COPD. Chronic heartburn or reflux is therefore a modifiable risk factor for COPD.

Do you have reflux with or without asthma/COPD? What treatment do you use for reflux and does it seem to help?