Efficacy of Esomeprazole for Treatment of Poorly Controlled Asthma

Acid reflux is commonly thought to be a preventable cause of wheezing. In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, the investigators found that proton-pump inhibitors do not reduce asthma exacerbations. Acid reflux is commonly thought to be a preventable cause of wheezing. In this trial, the investigators found that proton-pump inhibitors do not reduce asthma exacerbations. Gastroesophageal reflux and asthma, both of which are common conditions, often coexist in the same patient. Persons with asthma are particularly prone to asymptomatic gastroesophageal reflux. Esophageal pH-monitoring studies have shown that 32 to 84% of persons with asthma have abnormal acid reflux, 1 – 5 and about half of patients with asthma who have reflux have no symptoms. 3 , 6 – 8 However, the role of gastroesophageal reflux in the development or persistence of asthma symptoms is not known. Symptoms of asthma — cough and chest discomfort — may overlap with those of gastroesophageal reflux, making it difficult to distinguish between the two . . .