Abstract
Introduction: Several studies have identified an association between asthma and gastro-oesophageal reflux. It is unclear whether reflux leads to asthma or whether asthma precipitates reflux. The role of obesity in this association is unclear.
Methods: The association between reflux symptoms and asthma was investigated in a birth cohort of approximately 1000 individuals at age 26.
Results: Symptoms of heartburn and acid regurgitation that were at least "moderately bothersome" in the previous year were associated with asthma, wheeze, nocturnal cough, and a bronchodilator response to salbutamol (BDR) (table shows odds ratios (95% CI) adjusted for BMI and sex). In women, reflux symptoms were also associated with a lower FEV1/FVC ratio. Early onset asthma (asthma since age 9) was not associated with reflux symptoms at age 26.
Conclusions: Reflux symptoms were significantly associated with asthma at age 26 independently of BMI. For women reflux was also associated with airflow obstruction and bronchial responsiveness. Persistent childhood asthma does not lead to reflux symptoms. This indicates that it is unlikely that asthma precipitates gastro-oesophageal reflux and more likely that reflux leads to asthma.