Embargoed for Release Until: Sunday, October 11, 1998, 6:00 p.m. Contact: Dana Victor Montenegro 202/973-5871 or [email protected]
New Study Highlights Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches
to Acid Reflux Related Chronic Cough
October 11, 1998, Boston, MA -- Acid reflux is not one of the most common causes of chronic cough, but it is frequently overlooked. Once treated, a significant portion of non-asthma patients with chronic cough from acid reflux can experience dramatic improvement according to a new paper presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).
Research conducted by Tina M. Ours, RN, BSN and colleagues at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation examined the link between chronic cough and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and considered diagnostic and therapeutic options. Of an initial pool of 71 patients with chronic cough without any diagnosed cause, once narrowed to exclude those with asthma, spontaneous improvement and lack of follow-up, a final group of 23 patients with persistent cough underwent esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH testing. Those with acid reflux were randomized into two treatment groups: omeprazole 40mg BID versus a placebo for twelve weeks.
Researchers concluded that demographic information and esophageal manometry/24 hour pH testing do not identify reflux induced chronic cough, but that after excluding asthma and post-nasal drip, the best therapeutic approach is one month treatment with high dose omeprazole.
Acid reflux occurs when the muscular valve at the lower end of the esophagus malfunctions, allowing a backward flow of acid from the stomach to the esophagus. Chronic acid reflux can signal a more serious medical condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. If left untreated, GERD can cause serious complications such as severe chest pain, esophageal stricture (a narrowing or obstruction of the esophagus), bleeding, asthma-like symptoms, or a rare pre-malignant condition called Barrett's esophagus.
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