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Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to estimate the frequency and clinical spectrum of respiratory problems in gastro esophageal disease and assess the response to high dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI).Methods: This was a prospective study in which 382 patients were recruited in 2004 and 2005 who presented with heart burn or regurgitation and found to have esophagitis on endoscopy.Results: Sixteen percent patients had respiratory symptoms with most common problem being chronic cough and asthma or asthma-like symptoms. Patients with hiatus hernia and higher body mass index had strong correlation with these symptoms. Fifty four percent of patients’ symptoms improved on PPI. Maximum improvement was in the nocturnal symptomsConclusion: Recognition and treatment of reflux can produce worthwhile improvement in respiratory illness. This response is sometime dramatic.