Premium
Gastroesophageal Asthma *
Author(s) -
STERNLIEB CHERYL M.,
KASHAN FAIZ
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1974.tb05839.x
Subject(s) - medicine , reflux , hiatal hernia , asthma , differential diagnosis , disease , hernia , refractory (planetary science) , respiratory system , medical history , surgery , upper endoscopy , pediatrics , endoscopy , pathology , physics , astrobiology
The case is presented of an elderly woman with severe recurrent attacks of asthma refractory to vigorous medical treatment. A careful history revealed that the attacks chiefly occurred at night and awakened the patient. An x‐ray (barium) examination showed only a small hiatal hernia, but an additional water siphonage test demonstrated a large amount of gastroesophageal reflux which could cause aspiration when the patient was in the horizontal position. After repair of the hernia, the reflux stopped and all respiratory symptoms disappeared. For cases such as this, the term “gastroesophageal asthma” is suggested. Early identification is important as it is a potentially curable form of respiratory disease. It should always be considered in the differential diagnosis, particularly in elderly patients.