Embargoed for Release Until: Monday, October 16, 2000
Contact: Sharon Burns 202-973-2934
Stacey Ward 202-973-5879[email protected]
Does Acid Reflux Cause Coughing and Wheezing in People with Asthma, or Vice Versa?
NEW YORK, October 16, 2000 -- Researchers from the Veterans Administration Medical Centers in Albuquerque, NM, and in Hines, IL, have found that a coughing episode in person with asthma might lead to acid reflux, but it is far more common for an episode of reflux to cause coughing and wheezing. The findings were reported at the 65th Annual Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), October 16 --18.
The temporal relationship between acid reflux and coughing and wheezing has long been unclear. The VAMC study with 128 outpatients with asthma showed that half of the coughs and wheezes in asthma patients were associated with gastroesophageal reflux. Acid reflux preceded coughing seven times more frequently than coughing preceded reflux.
Gastroesophageal reflux (or acid reflux) is the backward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. People experience heartburn or a burning chest pain when the acid refluxes.
The study also revealed that the more episodes of coughing people with asthma have, the more likely they will experience reflux-induced coughing. The research may be too preliminary to have clinical implications; however, the data may suggest that people with asthma might need to be especially vigilant to monitor and treat any symptoms that might indicate that they may be developing gastroesophageal reflux disease, otherwise known as GERD.
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The ACG was formed in 1932 to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The College promotes the highest standards in medical education and is guided by its commitment to meeting the needs of clinical gastroenterology practitioners. Consumers can get more information on gastrointestinal disorders through the following ACG-sponsored programs:
* 1-800-978-7666 (free brochures on common gastrointestinal disorders, including ulcers, colon cancer, gallstones, and liver disease)* 1-800-HRT-BURN (free brochure and video on heartburn and GERD) * www.acg.gi.org (ACG's Web site).
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