Treating acid reflux reduces asthma symptoms and improves quality of life in patients with asthma

Seattle, WA (October 21, 2002) – The daily use of medications to treat acid reflux, proton pump inhibitors (PPI), reduces asthma exacerbations and improves general well-being of asthma patients with symptoms of acid reflux. A study presented at the 67th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology found that the use of a proton pump inhibitor along with asthma medications improved reflux symptoms, as well as improving reported quality of life. Fewer patients taking PPIs had at least one asthma exacerbation with PPI vs. placebo.

In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 207 subjects receiving usual asthma care were randomized to 30 mg twice a day of lansoprazole or placebo. All subjects had symptoms of acid reflux, moderate to severe persistent asthma, and were taking inhaled corticosteroids.

According to Michael R. Littner, M.D., one of the investigators from the Veterans Administration Healthcare System in Sepulveda, CA, the use of a proton pump inhibitor "appears to offer significant benefit to asthma patients with more difficult to control asthma as indicated by the requirement for more than one long-term asthma control medication."

The ACG was formed in 1932 to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The College promotes the highest standards in medical education and is guided by its commitment to meeting the needs of clinical gastroenterology practitioners. Consumers can get more information on GI diseases through the following ACG-sponsored programs:

• 1-800-978-7666 (free brochures on common GI disorders, including ulcer, colon cancer, gallstones, and liver disease)
• 1-800-HRT-BURN (free brochure and video on heartburn and GERD)
• www.acg.gi.org (ACG's Web site)

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