Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is known to coexist with asthma exacerbation. The findings have been varied regarding the association between the two conditions. Therefore, Mallah and colleagues recently conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to ascertain if there is a link between GERD and asthma.

Researchers searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and other databases and identified eligible studies. Thirty two eligible studies, conducted across 14 countries, were identified, which included 1612361 patients of all ages.

• GERD was found to have a weak association with asthma exacerbation (OR= 1.27; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.35).
• This association was evident in cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional designs, and in European and non-European populations.
• Subgroup analyses revealed that GERD is linked with frequent exacerbations of asthma (≥ 3 exacerbations, OR= 1.59; 95% CI 1.13 to 2.24).
• It is also tied to exacerbations that require oral corticosteroid therapy (OR= 1.24; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.41).
• Children with GERD have higher odds of asthma exacerbation compared to adults.

There was no evidence of publication bias and the link between GERD and asthma exacerbation persisted in all sensitivity analyses.

The researchers thus concluded that GERD and asthma exacerbation are weakly associated with each other.

Source: Mallah N, Turner JM, González-Barcala F-J, Takkouche B. Gastroesophageal reflux disease and asthma exacerbation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2022 Jan;33(1):e13655.