Document Detail


Possible mechanisms of influence of esophageal acid on airway hyperresponsiveness.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  12928076     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Airway hyperresponsiveness is among the defining phenomena in asthma. In this article, 3 mechanisms are reviewed to explain how gastroesophageal reflux (GER) may influence airway hyperresponsiveness. First, microaspiration may cause not only direct tissue injury, but may also trigger vagal reflexes. Second, acid infusion of the esophagus in a dog model and in humans has been shown to result in vagally mediated reflexes leading to bronchoconstriction. These reflexes have been studied using immunohistochemical techniques. Third, neuroinflammatory reflexes have been found to play a role in airway responses through the release of tachykinins, including substance P and neurokinin A. Combined, these 3 mechanisms may lead to an increase in vagal efferent impulses that can cause or augment airway hyperresponsiveness. Studies indicate that there is an increase in airway responsiveness in asthma patients who have documented GER. Further, based on the reported number of reflux episodes occurring during 24-hour pH monitoring, airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine challenge tends to increase as GER worsens.
Authors:
Mark R Stein
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The American journal of medicine     Volume:  115 Suppl 3A     ISSN:  0002-9343     ISO Abbreviation:  Am. J. Med.     Publication Date:  2003 Aug 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2003-08-20     Completed Date:  2003-09-05     Revised Date:  2004-11-17    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0267200     Medline TA:  Am J Med     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  55S-59S     Citation Subset:  AIM; IM    
Affiliation:
Section of Allergy, Good Samaritan Medical Center, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Bronchial Hyperreactivity / etiology,  physiopathology*
Gagging
Gastric Acid*
Gastroesophageal Reflux / complications,  physiopathology*
Humans
Vagus Nerve / physiopathology

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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