Erosive Gastroesophageal reflux disease – are we missing pulmonary symptoms?

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that affects about 20- 30% of the adult population, presenting with a broad spectrum of symptoms and varying degrees of severity and frequency. Extra esophageal manifestations like respiratory symptoms are being increasingly recognized. There are only very few studies on the prevalence of pulmonary symptoms in patients with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease. Aim: The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of pulmonary symptoms in patients with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease,Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done on 100 patients diagnosed based on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings. Patients were first interviewed about GERD symptoms using the GERD Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire. Then the respiratory symptoms are assessed. Demographic details are recorded in a proforma. Pulmonary function tests were done on all the patients. Upper GI endoscopic findings are graded according to Los Angeles (LA) grading from A to DResults: The prevalence of pulmonary symptoms was 60%. The most prevalent symptom was a cough, then followed by dyspnoea on exertion, chest pain, wheezing, and snoring. There was a significant association found between LA grading and pulmonary symptoms like wheezing, cough, chest pain, and hoarseness of voice. No significant association was found between GERD duration and pulmonary symptoms. There was a statistically significant association found between LA grading and pulmonary function test. No association was found between quality of life scoring and pulmonary symptoms. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of pulmonary symptoms in patients with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease. Erosive GERD can affect pulmonary function according to severity. There was no association between prolonged GERD and pulmonary symptoms.