Comparative Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in patients with Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common comorbidity in chronic respiratory conditions, particularly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While both diseases share pathophysiological links with GERD, the comparative prevalence and clinical impact remain unclear. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methodology: This cross-sectional study evaluated 200 asthma patients, 200 COPD patients, and 400 controls at Bolan Medical College using a validated GERD questionnaire and spirometry-confirmed diagnoses. GERD was defined as weekly heartburn/regurgitation, with analysis of symptom patterns, medication use, and temporal relationships. Statistical comparisons employed chi-square tests and logistic regression (p<0.05 significant). Results: In the present study prevalence of GERD was significantly higher in patients with asthma (28.5%) as compared to COPD (18.0%) and participants in controls group (20.3%). Patients with Asthma showed more frequent heartburn (17.5%) and regurgitation (11.0%), along with higher rates of extraesophageal symptoms like dysphagia (35.2%). GERD symptoms began after pulmonary diagnosis in 26.5% of asthmatics and 27.8% of COPD patients. No significant association was found between asthma severity and GERD prevalence (p>0.05), though moderate-severe cases showed a trend toward higher rates. ConclusionThe present study confirms a distinct GERD-asthma association, with implications for screening and management in respiratory clinics. Future studies should explore mechanistic links and assess whether GERD treatment improves asthma control in this population.