Approach to the patient with presumed extraoesophageal GERD

Critical appraisal of how COVID-19 infection and imposed lockdowns have impacted gastroesophageal reflux: A review

Previous literature has demonstrated that COronaVIrus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) impacts an individual gastrointestinal tract (GIT), causing symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus RNA has been discovered in the stool of infected individuals in earlier research. It was discovered that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus was significantly expressed in the GIT, indicating that the virus can also infect the digestive system. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 functions as the viral receptor. The chronic illness known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is typified by frequent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. By triggering the sensitized esophageal-bronchial neuronal circuit or aspirating into the airways (microaspiration), GER exacerbates respiratory diseases. Aspiration is a well-known risk to be considered when treating patients in intensive care units. Strong genetic correlations have been identified between COVID-19 infection and GERD susceptibility, suggesting a shared genetic basis for both conditions. Nonetheless, even though GERD, extraesophageal reflex, and COVID-19 have a number of significant risk factors and exhibit similar symptoms, the relationship between these illnesses has not yet been examined in depth. This review is the first of its kind to critically examine the association between the COVID-19 epidemic and GER and its associated diseases. The key objective of this work is to promote the creation of prevention plans, treatment plans, and guidelines while also enhancing and optimizing our understanding of the relationship between COVID-19 and GERs.

Practical multidisciplinary framework for the assessment and management of patients with unexplained chronic aerodigestive symptoms

OBJECTIVE

Patients experiencing unexplained chronic throat symptoms (UCTS) are frequently referred to gastroenterology and otolaryngology outpatient departments for investigation. Often despite extensive investigations, an identifiable structural abnormality to account for the symptoms is not found. The objective of this article is to provide a concise appraisal of the evidence-base for current approaches to the assessment and management of UCTS, their clinical outcomes, and related healthcare utilisation.

DESIGN

This multidisciplinary review critically examines the current understanding of aetiological theories and pathophysiological drivers in UCTS and summarises the evidence base underpinning various diagnostic and management approaches.

RESULTS

The evidence gathered from the review suggests that single-specialty approaches to UCTS inadequately capture the substantial heterogeneity and pervasive overlaps among clinical features and biopsychosocial factors and suggests a more unified approach is needed.

CONCLUSION

Drawing on contemporary insights from the gastrointestinal literature for disorders of gut-brain interaction, this article proposes a refreshed interdisciplinary approach characterised by a positive diagnosis framework and patient-centred therapeutic model. The overarching aim of this approach is to improve patient outcomes and foster collaborative research efforts.

A prospective study of extraesophageal reflux and potential microaspiration in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Jordan

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lung infection has represented a global challenge. Intriguingly, it has been shown that the alveolar lung epithelium expresses little Angiotensin Converting Enzyme receptor protein (ACE2), the entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. Upper airway establishment of infection and translocation to the lung is well documented but other anatomical niches may be relevant to potentially serious lung infection. ACE2 is heavily expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and gastrointestinal symptoms support a clinical diagnosis of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This suggests a research question and the need to gather patient data exploring potential aerodigestive links in SARS-CoV-2 tranlocation and infection which may be relevant in the peripheral lung. This recognizes anatomical proximity and concepts of bi-directional movement between the Gastrointestinal and lung systems in normal physiology and disease. We have therefore explored the potential for gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) micro aspiration and aeorodigestive pathophysiology in a novel prospective investigation of patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

METHODS

This is a prospective descriptive cohort study of 210 patients who were hospitalized with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The cohort was divided into three groups of patients based on symptom severity and radiological results. The Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) was used to evaluate the presence and severity of GOR. An RSI greater than 13 is considered to be abnormal. Patients' saliva samples were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the level of salivary pepsin among the cohort of patients.

RESULTS

A total of 210 patients with COVID-19 were enrolled in the study with 55.2% (116/210) classified as mildly ill, 31.9% (67/210) moderately ill and 12.9% (27/210) as severely ill. 34% (72/210) of the patients had an RSI score of over 13 and a median salivary pepsin value of 54 ± 29 ng/ml which suggested an incidence of extraesophageal reflux (EOR) in around a third of patients. The presence of respiratory comorbid conditions, an RSI score of over 13 and a salivary pepsin level of > 76ng/ml increased the risk of developing a more severe COVID-19 infection.

CONCLUSION

The study showed a high prevalence of EOR among the study cohort and provide the first prospective evidence suggesting the potential for aerodigestive pathophysiology including microaspiration in COVID-19 disease. We believe that the results of our study support the need for more extensive research.

A prospective randomized trial on laparoscopic total vs partial fundoplication in patients with atypical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Currently very little is known about the impact of anti-reflux surgery on extra-esophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when compared with the typical symptoms of reflux. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical effect of total (360°) and partial (270°) laparoscopic fundoplication on extraesophageal GERD symptoms.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty patients with documented extraesophageal GERD symptoms were randomized to either undergo floppy Nissen (n= 60) or Toupet fundoplication (n= 60). Symptom scores of throat clearing, globus sensation, cough, throat pain, and vocal changes were prospectively evaluated. A reflux symptom index (RSI) questionnaire was used to accurately document the improvement of extraesophageal symptoms. Quality of life was determined according to the laryngopharyngeal reflux-health-related quality of life (LPR-HRQL) questionnaire.

RESULTS

No significant differences were identified between the groups regarding demographic data, such as age, gender, or body mass index. The median RSI score before operation and at 24-month follow-up was 22.8 ± 5.3 and 10.4 ± 5.4 respectively in the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) group (p < 0.05) and 21.7 ± 5.0 and 11.6 ± 5 respectively in the laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) group (p < 0.05). The median LPR-HRQL score in the LNF group improved from 42.9 ± 13.8 before treatment to 10.7 ± 6.5 at 24 months (p < 0.05). In the LTF group, there was an improvement in the median LPR-HRQL score from 40.4 ± 10.9 prior to treatment to 11.7 ± 5.7 at 24 months (p < 0.05). The median RSI score and LPR-HRQL scores were similar between the groups at follow-up (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our report demonstrates that LNF and LTF provide equivalently good results for patients with extraesophageal manifestations of GERD. Quality of life is similar after LNF and LTF.

Chronic cough in adults: recommendations from an Italian intersociety consensus

BACKGROUND

Chronic cough (CC) is a burdensome health problem in adult and older people, with a major impact on quality of life. Its management is often troublesome, and many guidelines have been released. Notwithstanding, a proportion of cases still do not reach a definite diagnosis and resolutive treatment. A coordinated approach between different specialists would be highly recommended, but its implementation in clinical practice suffers from the lack of shared protocols and poor awareness of the problem. The present consensus document has been implemented to address these issues.

AIMS

To develop evidence-based recommendations for the management of adults with CC.

METHODS

A 12-member expert task force of general practitioners, geriatricians, pneumologists, allergologists, otorhynolaringologists and gastroenterologists was established to develop evidence-based recommendations for the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to subjects with CC. A modified Delphi approach was used to achieve consensus, and the US Preventive Services Task Force system was used to rate the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 56 recommendations were proposed, covering 28 topics and concerning definitions and epidemiology, pathogenesis and etiology, diagnostic and therapeutic approach along with the consideration of specific care settings.

CONCLUSION

These recommendations should ease the management of subjects with CC by coordinating the expertise of different specialists. By providing a convenient list of topics of interest, they might assist in identifying unmet needs and research priorities.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Asthma: A Narrative Review

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined by retrograde reflux of gastric contents to the esophagus leading to various signs and symptoms that range from heartburn/regurgitation to the development of extraesophageal respiratory syndromes like asthma. Although a cause-effect relationship has been proposed, evidence suggests that these two entities share a complex mechanism that may be reciprocal to each other. The understanding of the underlying mechanisms is imperial due to the fact that asthmatic patients may benefit from reflux therapy with subsequent improvement in pulmonary function testing and quality of life. This study has revised available literature in order to provide evidence for a nexus between GERD and asthma based on clinical correlation, pathophysiology, and pharmacologic management.

WAO-ARIA consensus on chronic cough - Part III: Management strategies in primary and cough-specialty care. Updates in COVID-19

Background

Chronic cough management necessitates a clear integrated care pathway approach. Primary care physicians initially encounter the majority of chronic cough patients, yet their role in proper management can prove challenging due to limited access to advanced diagnostic testing. A multidisciplinary approach involving otolaryngologists and chest physicians, allergists, and gastroenterologists, among others, is central to the optimal diagnosis and treatment of conditions which underly or worsen cough. These include infectious and inflammatory, upper and lower airway pathologies, or gastro-esophageal reflux. Despite the wide armamentarium of ancillary testing conducted in cough multidisciplinary care, such management can improve cough but seldom resolves it completely. This can be due partly to the limited data on the role of tests (eg, spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide), as well as classical pharmacotherapy conducted in multidisciplinary specialties for chronic cough. Other important factors include presence of multiple concomitant cough trigger mechanisms and the central neuronal complexity of chronic cough. Subsequent management conducted by cough specialists aims at control of cough refractory to prior interventions and includes cough-specific behavioral counseling and pharmacotherapy with neuromodulators, among others. Preliminary data on the role of neuromodulators in a proof-of-concept manner are encouraging but lack strong evidence on efficacy and safety.

Objectives

The World Allergy Organization (WAO)/Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) Joint Committee on Chronic Cough reviewed the recent literature on management of chronic cough in primary, multidisciplinary, and cough-specialty care. Knowledge gaps in diagnostic testing, classical and neuromodulator pharmacotherapy, in addition to behavioral therapy of chronic cough were also analyzed.

Outcomes

This third part of the WAO/ARIA consensus on chronic cough suggests a management algorithm of chronic cough in an integrated care pathway approach. Insights into the inherent limitations of multidisciplinary cough diagnostic testing, efficacy and safety of currently available antitussive pharmacotherapy, or the recently recognized behavioral therapy, can significantly improve the standards of care in patients with chronic cough.

Reflux scintigraphy in gastro-esophageal reflux disease: a comparison study with 24 hour pH-impedance monitoring

OBJECTIVE

Reflux scintigraphy is often used to diagnose gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the efficacy of this study remains controversial. Our aim was to determine the role of reflux scintigraphy in diagnosing GERD by comparing it to 24 h combined pH-impedance study as the gold standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult patients who presented for investigations of reflux symptoms were prospectively recruited into the study. All patients underwent high resolution esophageal manometry and those with major motor disorders of the esophagus were excluded. Eligible patients immediately underwent reflux scintigraphy following insertion of the pH-impedance catheter.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were included in the study. Using a total acid exposure time (AET) of >4.2% as the reference for abnormal acid reflux, reflux scintigraphy had a sensitivity and specificity of 62.5 and 68.2%, respectively, in detecting acid reflux. When compared to AET >6%, reflux scintigraphy had a sensitivity and specificity of 66.7 and 62.5%, respectively, and a positive predictive value of 30.8% and a negative predictive value of 88.2%. There were no associations between outcomes of reflux scintigraphy and total AET (p = .46), total (acid or non-acid) reflux events (p = 0.11), proximal AET (p = .33) or the number of proximal reflux episodes (p = .75) on 24 h pH-impedance study.

CONCLUSIONS

Reflux scintigraphy has limited role in diagnosing GERD when compared to 24 h combined pH-impedance monitoring.

WAO-ARIA consensus on chronic cough - Part II: Phenotypes and mechanisms of abnormal cough presentation - Updates in COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Chronic cough can be triggered by respiratory and non-respiratory tract illnesses originating mainly from the upper and lower airways, and the GI tract (ie, reflux). Recent findings suggest it can also be a prominent feature in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), laryngeal hyperresponsiveness, and COVID-19. The classification of chronic cough is constantly updated but lacks clear definition. Epidemiological data on the prevalence of chronic cough are informative but highly variable. The underlying mechanism of chronic cough is a neurogenic inflammation of the cough reflex which becomes hypersensitive, thus the term hypersensitive cough reflex (HCR). A current challenge is to decipher how various infectious and inflammatory airway diseases and esophageal reflux, among others, modulate HCR.

OBJECTIVES

The World Allergy Organization/Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (WAO/ARIA) Joint Committee on Chronic Cough reviewed the current literature on classification, epidemiology, presenting features, and mechanistic pathways of chronic cough in airway- and reflux-related cough phenotypes, OSA, and COVID-19. The interplay of cough reflex sensitivity with other pathogenic mechanisms inherent to airway and reflux-related inflammatory conditions was also analyzed.

OUTCOMES

Currently, it is difficult to clearly ascertain true prevalence rates in epidemiological studies of chronic cough phenotypes. This is likely due to lack of standardized objective measures needed for cough classification and frequent coexistence of multi-organ cough origins. Notwithstanding, we emphasize the important role of HCR as a mechanistic trigger in airway- and reflux-related cough phenotypes. Other concomitant mechanisms can also modulate HCR, including type2/Th1/Th2 inflammation, presence or absence of deep inspiration-bronchoprotective reflex (lower airways), tissue remodeling, and likely cough plasticity, among others.

Extra-Esophageal Presentation of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: 2020 Update

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined by the presence of symptoms induced by the reflux of the stomach contents into the esophagus. Although clinical manifestations of GERD typically involve the esophagus, extra-esophageal manifestations are widespread and less known. In this review, we discuss extra-esophageal manifestations of GERD, focusing on clinical presentations, diagnosis, and treatment. Common extra-esophageal manifestations of GERD include chronic cough, asthma, laryngitis, dental erosions, and gingivitis. Extra-esophageal involvement can be present also when classic GERD symptoms are absent, making the diagnosis more challenging. Although available clinical studies are heterogeneous and frequently of low quality, a trial with proton pump inhibitors can be suggested as a first-line diagnostic strategy in case of suspected extra-esophageal manifestations of GERD.

Bidirectional Association Between GERD and Asthma: Two Longitudinal Follow-Up Studies Using a National Sample Cohort

BACKGROUND

A relation between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and asthma has been suggested; however, causality has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to delineate the causal relation between GERD and asthma.

METHODS

Participants of the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort 2002-2013 who were ≥20 years old were selected for this study. In study I, 116,502 patients with GERD were matched in a 1:2 ratio to 233,004 control I participants, and the hazard ratio (HR) of asthma in patients with GERD was analyzed. In study II, 104,146 patients with asthma were matched in a 1:1 ratio to 104,146 control II participants, and the HR for GERD in patients with asthma was analyzed. A stratified Cox-proportional hazards model was used. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age and sex.

RESULTS

In study I, 12.5% (14,595 of 116,502) of the GERD group and 7.8% (18,135 of 233,004) of the control I group presented asthma (P < .001). The GERD group demonstrated a 1.46-fold higher HR for asthma than the control I group (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.42-1.49, P < .001). In study II, 16.9% (17,582 of 104,146) of the asthma group and 11.9% (12,393 of 104,146) of the control II group presented GERD (P < .001). The asthma group showed a 1.36-fold higher HR for GERD than the control II group (95% CI = 1.33-1.39, P < .001). All age and sex subgroups presented consistent results.

CONCLUSION

GERD and asthma had a bidirectional relation in the study population.

Proton pump inhibitors: use and misuse in the clinical setting

INTRODUCTION

The introduction of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) into clinical practice has greatly improved our therapeutic approach to acid-related diseases for their efficacy and safety. Areas Covered: The following evidence-based indications for PPI use are acknowledged by many scientific societies: treatment of the various forms and complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease, eradication of H. pylori infection in combination with two or more antibiotics, short- and long-term therapy of H. pylori-negative peptic ulcers, healing, and prevention of NSAID/COXIB-associated gastric ulcers, co-therapy with endoscopic procedures to control upper digestive bleeding and medical treatment of Zollinger Ellison syndrome. Expert Commentary: Despite the above well-defined indications, however, the use of PPIs continues to grow every year in both western and eastern countries and the endless expansion of the PPI market has created important problems for many regulatory authorities for two relevant features: the progressive increase of the costs of therapy and the greater potential harms for the patients. The major reasons for the misuse of PPIs are the prevention of gastro-duodenal ulcers in patients without risk factors and the stress ulcer prophylaxis in non-intensive care units, steroid therapy alone, anti-platelet or anti-coagulant treatment in patients without risk of gastric injury and the overtreatment of functional dyspepsia.

Appropriateness in prescribing PPIs: A position paper of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE) - Study section "Digestive Diseases in Primary Care"

The introduction of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) into clinical practice about thirty years ago has greatly improved our therapeutic approach to acid-related diseases for their well-recognized efficacy and safety. Despite the well-defined indications, however, the use of PPIs continues to grow every year in both western and eastern countries and this phenomenon poses serious queries that include the onset of potential adverse effects and the increase in health care costs. The major reason explaining this worrying market expansion is the inappropriate use of PPIs. In order to re-establish a correct use of these effective drugs in daily clinical practice, the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE), nominated a panel of experts who reviewed the available clinical literature and produced a series of updated position statements on the use of PPIs in clinical practice.

200 mL Rapid Drink Challenge During High-resolution Manometry Best Predicts Objective Esophagogastric Junction Obstruction and Correlates With Symptom Severity

Background/Aims

Single swallow integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) on high-resolution manometry (HRM) does not always accurately predict esophagogastric outflow obstruction on timed barium esophagogram (TBE). Furthermore, neither single swallow IRP or TBE is reliable in predicting symptoms, particularly after treatment with dilatation or myotomy. A 200 mL rapid drink challenge (RDC) has been proposed as an adjunctive test during HRM. This serves as a "stress-test" to the esophagogastric junction, and may yield clinically useful parameters. We aim to assess HRM parameters during RDC, and their ability to predict outflow obstruction on TBE in patients with dysphagia, and to correlate with symptoms in patients' achalasia.

Methods

Thirty patients with dysphagia were recruited. All underwent standard single swallow HRM analysis, 200 mL RDC, then TBE. RDC parameters, including esophagogastric pressure gradient, IRP, and RDC duration were evaluated. Multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the best predictive parameter for obstruction on TBE. A further 21 patients with achalasia were evaluated with Eckhardt score, single swallow HRM, RDC, and TBE. Parameter correlation with Eckhardt score was evaluated.

Results

Mean IRP during RDC was the best HRM parameter at predicting outflow obstruction on TBE. This performed much better in untreated patients (sensitivity 100% and specificity 85.5%) than in previously treated patients (sensitivity 50% and specificity 66%). In patients with achalasia, mean IRP during RDC was the only parameter that correlated with symptom score.

Conclusion

Mean IRP during RDC appears to be a clinically useful "stress test" to the esophagogastric junction during HRM.

Review article: gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

When gastro-oesophageal reflux is causing symptoms or lesions in the oesophagus, this is referred to as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can manifest itself through typical symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation) or may lead to extra-oesophageal symptoms. Extra-oesophageal manifestations of GERD gained increasing attention over the last decade, especially respiratory disorders, because of the prevalent co-occurrence with GERD. The role of GERD in the pathogenesis of respiratory disorders has become a topic of intense discussion.

AIM

To provide an overview of the current knowledge on the role of GERD in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

PubMed was searched for relevant articles using the keywords: GERD, asthma, COPD, prevalence, treatment. Case reports were excluded, only English language articles were considered.

RESULTS

Estimates for the prevalence of GERD in asthma range from 30% to 90%, compared to an average of 24% in controls. In COPD patients, the prevalence of GERD ranges from 19% to 78% compared to an average of 18% in controls. These data indicate an increased prevalence of GERD in patients with asthma and COPD, although causality is not established and GERD treatment yielded inconsistent effects. Literature supports GERD as a risk factor for COPD-exacerbations and a predictor of the 'frequent-exacerbator'-phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the high prevalence of GERD in asthma and COPD, a causal link is lacking. The results of anti-reflux therapy on pulmonary outcome are inconsistent and contradictory. Future studies will need to identify subgroups of asthmatics and COPD patients that may benefit from anti-reflux therapy (nocturnal or silent reflux).

Oropharyngeal acid reflux and motility abnormalities of the proximal esophagus

AIM

To investigate the relationship between pathological oropharyngeal (OP) acid exposure and esophageal motility in patients with extra-esophageal syndromes.

METHODS

In this prospective study we enrolled consecutive outpatients with extra-esophageal symptoms suspected to be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We enrolled only patients with a reflux symptom index (RSI) score-higher than 13 and with previous lung, allergy and ear, nose and throat evaluations excluding other specific diagnoses. All patients underwent 24-h OP pH-metry with the Dx probe and esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM). Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of a normal or pathological pH-metric finding (Ryan Score) and all manometric characteristics of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

We examined 135 patients with chronic extra-esophageal syndromes. Fifty-one were considered eligible for the study. Of these, 42 decided to participate in the protocol. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of normal or pathological OP acid exposure. All the HRM parameters were compared for the two groups. Significant differences were found in the median upper esophageal sphincter resting pressure (median 71 mmHg vs 126 mmHg, P = 0.004) and the median proximal contractile integral (median 215.5 cm•mmHg•s vs 313.5 cm•mmHg•s, P = 0.039), both being lower in the group with pathological OP acid exposure, and the number of contractions with small or large breaks, which were more frequent in the same group. This group also had a larger number of peristaltic contractions with breaks in the 20 mmHg isobaric contour (38.7% vs 15.38%, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with suspected GERD-related extra-esophageal syndromes pathological OP acid exposure was associated with weaker proximal esophageal motility.

Should the Reflex Be Reflux? Throat Symptoms and Alternative Explanations

Although laryngopharyngeal reflux, also known as extraesophageal reflux (EER), was codified more than 25 years ago, it has not been characterized fully. There is no sensitive and specific diagnostic test, and its symptoms often are nonspecific and overlap with those of other conditions commonly seen in primary care and specialist practices. Otolaryngologists have an important role in the evaluation and management of these patients--they must investigate persistent reflux-attributed symptoms by direct visualization of the upper airway and larynx, and, in some circumstances, the esophagus. It is of utmost importance to rule out the possibility of malignancy, which often presents with symptoms similar to those of EER. Once cancer is excluded, many benign upper airway conditions also can masquerade as, and often incorrectly are attributed to, EER. Although reflux is a potential etiologic factor for upper-airway symptoms, it is important not to reflexively blame reflux. We discuss other etiologies that should be considered carefully for persistent symptoms.

[Gastro-esophageal reflux and chronic respiratory diseases]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) frequently occurs in association with chronic respiratory diseases although the casual link is not always clear. Several pathophysiological and experimental factors are considered to support a role for GERD in respiratory disease. Conversely, respiratory diseases and bronchodilator treatment can themselves exacerbate GERD. When cough or severe asthma is being investigated, GERD does not need to be systematically looked for and a therapeutic test with proton pump inhibitors is not always recommended. pH impedance monitoring is now the reference diagnostic tool to detect non acid reflux, a form of reflux for which proton pump inhibitor treatment is ineffective. Recent data have shown a potential role of GERD in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and bronchiolitis obliterans following lung transplantation, leading to discussions about the place of surgery in this context. However, studies using pH impedance monitoring are still needed to better understand and manage the association between GERD and chronic respiratory diseases.