Asthma and gastroesophageal reflux in children: cause or effect? Current and novel approaches. Issue 3 (June 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wrigley, Jessica D; Lemberg, Daniel A; Jafféé, Adam; Thomas, Paul S
• Is Part Of: Pediatric health. Volume 2:Issue 3(2008)
• Page Start: 333
• Page End: 339
• Publication Date: 2008-06
• Subjects: asthma -- exhaled breath condensate -- gastroesophageal reflux -- gastroscopy -- impedance monitor -- pH monitor -- proton-pump inhibitor; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.2217/17455111.2.3.333
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-5111

Abstract

Asthma is one of the most common diseases of childhood and once diagnosed there are many pharmacological methods of managing the symptoms. Yet a subgroup of children with ''difficult to manage'' asthma still exists that do not appear to respond to standard asthma therapies. While the reason behind this is not entirely known, it is believed that gastroesophageal disease (GERD), which can present with a variety of extraesophageal symptoms, may be partly responsible for the respiratory symptoms observed in such pediatric patients. It is therefore pertinent that the clinician treating a child with ''difficult'' asthma considers the possibility of GERD-related symptoms. The use of the appropriate GERD monitoring and diagnostic tools can improve the morbidity and quality of life of this group.