Background: Asthma and Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) often coexist. The prevalence of GERD is estimated to be around 30-80% among asthmatics. GERD may worsen during an episode of airway obstruction and could also serve as a trigger for such an attack. The proposed mechanisms of GERD induced asthma include a vagally mediated reflex, micro aspiration and altered immune activity. As only limited information is available regarding its prevalence in asthmatics in developing countries such as India, this study was undertaken.Aim of the Study: To estimate the prevalence of GERD in adult asthmaticsSettings and Design: This cross sectional study was conducted among asthmatics who were recruited from a tertiary centre in Chennai.Methods and Material: This study was conducted among 86 asthmatics which included both males and females in the age group of 20-65 years. Known asthmatics who were diagnosed to be asthmatics at least a year ago, were included in the study. Smokers, subjects with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, gastro intestinal malignancies and pregnantwomen were excluded from the study. A structured questionnaire was administered and GERD was determined if they had the typical clinical symptoms such as postprandial chest pain, heart burn, nausea and sour regurgitation.Statistical Analysis Used: The data was analyzed by using the SPSS software. The prevalence rate was expressed in terms of percentage.Results: The overall prevalence of GERD in asthmatics was 51.1%. The prevalence of GERD was higher in female asthmatics as compared to that in men. (56% vs 46%) The prevalence of GERD was higher in younger individuals as compared to that in the elderly.Conclusion: This study has quantified the prevalence of GERD in individuals with asthma, and it has contributed to our understanding about the association between these two diseases. This study can be used to estimate the burden of GERD among asthmatics. Whether it is asthma that precedes GERD or whether it is GERD that precedes asthma has to be explored. This study stresses the need for patients with asthma to be evaluated for gastroesophageal reflux and to be treated with aggressive antireflux therapy to reduce the morbidity.
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