A putative link between pertussis and new onset of gastroesophageal reflux. An observational study.

Abstract

Background: Pertussis is an infectious disease of the respiratory tract with a changing epidemiology. An increasing incidence has been found in the adult population with recurrent infections possibly related to changes in the current vaccine. Is there an association between pertussis infection, refractory cough and atypical gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD)? Does this magnify and compound respiratory complications?Methods: Observational study which compares post-pertussis (n=103) with non-pertussis patients (n=105) with established GORD. Patients were assessed for laryngopharyngeal reflux and aspiration of refluxate by a novel scintigraphic study.Results: Both groups showed severe GORD in association with high rates of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and pulmonary aspiration and lung disease. High rates of hiatus hernia and clinical diagnosis of “atypical” asthma showed correlations with pulmonary aspiration.Conclusions: A high level of new onset LPR and lung aspiration has been shown in patients with chronic cough after recent pertussis infection by a novel scintigraphic technique with fused hybrid x-ray computed tomography (SPECT/CT).

Is There a Potential Link between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections in Children?

“…The results showed that the recent pertussis infection group had higher rates of reflux. The mechanism involved in this case is represented by a change in the thoraco-abdominal pressures due to chronic cough, this leading to GERD, hiatus hernia development and pulmonary micro-aspiration episodes [ 35 ].…”