Reflux Related Respiratory Disease
An important respiratory manifestation of reflux that often goes undiagnosed is asthma or bronchitis. This pertains particularly to late onset asthma or bronchitis that occurs not as a child, but rather in adulthood or as a teenager. When we see this type of asthma or bronchitis present, it is most often going to be associated with uncontrolled or unsuspected reflux. It’s important that this diagnosis be considered because once we fix the reflux, no matter what procedure is used to fix the reflux, further damage can be presented which is caused by the asthma or the bronchitis. Often patients will be treated with antibiotics or medication specifically for asthma or bronchitis when really the underlying cause just continues, that being reflux.
