Usually thought to be a minor inconvenience, the recurrent experience of heartburn can be an indicator of a more serious problem. GERD happens when the esophageal muscle fails to close properly, meaning that stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus. The resulting irritation is what we know as heartburn, meaning discomfort and a sense of tightness in the chest. When it becomes a chronic condition, heartburn can form a serious wellness issue, causing difficulty in swallowing food, regurgitation and weight loss.
The new study saw researchers using a newly innovated catheter to measure levels of acid reflux coming into contact with the patient’s airway during GERD. The catheter in question has come to be called by the acronym HMII, and is lauded as a great improvement on previous methods of identifying patients with asthma caused by GERD. In addition to providing the field with a valuable new research tool, the study has drawn a strong link between GERD surgery and the cessation of asthma symptoms. It seems that the majority of patients surveyed found that their asthma eased after surgery.
Dr. Blair Jobe, author of the study and director of the Institute for the Treatment of Esophageal and Thoracic Disease at the West Penn Allegheny Health System, expressed little surprise at the results. A connection between GERD and lung diseases has been suspected for some time, with various other observations contributing to a growing wealth of medical literature on the subject. The real challenge according to Dr. Jobe, is to identify exactly which individuals will benefit from esophageal surgery, and make sure that it’s offered to them as soon as possible. The new testing method innovated by the study may well be the answer to this aim, and allow asthmatic patients significant relief from their condition, with all the benefits of enhanced wellbeing.