Vnitr Lek 1989, 35(6):558-566

[Gastroesophageal reflux and respiratory diseases].

M Puchala, M Hudák

Respiratory manifestations of gastrooesophageal reflux are not very well known and therefore frequently not recognized. The multifactorial character of these relations is confirmed by the fact that only 10% of the patients with gastrooesophageal reflux suffer from respiratory diseases. As these relationships are causal, successful treatment depends on their objectivization. Respiratory manifestations of gastrooesophageal reflux may be a serious and frequently the only symptom of reflux disease. When these causal relationships are not recognized, respiratory symptoms are not adequately treated and they develop gradually into chronic or frequently relapsing disease. It is therefore desirable that all patients with an obscure cause of chronic or relapsing respiratory disease are subjected to examination for gastrooesophageal reflux. Conservative or surgical anti-reflux treatment mitigates in the majority manifestations of respiratory complications or eliminates respiratory disease which has persisted for several years.