Asthma and gastroesophageal reflux

Abstract

This work summarises present-day knowledge concerning relationships between asthma and gastro oesophageal reflux (GOR). The data acquired during the last ten years are briefly reviewed. They concern: the high frequency of GOR during asthmatic disease, the clinical signs which allow one to suspect such a possibility, the significance of these refluxes, and their provocative factors (mechanical, iatrogenic, and neurogenic). In the second part, the author exposes various problems which have not yet been absolutely solved. They concern: the methods of diagnosis of GOR (prolonged pH measurements and isotopic explorations seem to be the best techniques) and the question of management concerning the latter problem medical treatment of reflux should be widely prescribed. Surgical indications however, should on the contrary be carefully discussed.