Laryngopharyngeal reflux COPD to uncover reflux and columnar lined esophagus

Ivan Kristo, Martin Riegler, Sebastian F Schoppmann Upper-GI-Service, Gastroesophageal Tumor Unit, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria With interest we read the article by Jung et al1 published in the recent issue of the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. An important finding of the study was the positive correlation between symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), endoscopic signs for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), and COPD.1 COPD represents an increasing health burden.2,3 Owing to the symptoms, COPD impairs the productivity and life quality of those affected.2,3 Frequently, COPD requires chronic administration of cortisone therapy, which itself produces side effects impairing well being.4,5 The finding that COPD associates with LPR and GERD opens the trail for additional diagnostic and therapeutic considerations. View the original article by Jung et al