Link Between Asthma and Acid Reflux in Kids
It is common among kids that they have asthma at that age. Often asthma can keep them out of playing games with friends. To make things worse, acid reflux can actually make it worse for the asthma kids.
Currently, the Duke researchers are doing a national study on the possible link between asthma and acid reflux.
Tameka Bullock said she can’t remember when her 7-year-old son, Chris, hasn’t had problems breathing.
“You could just tell that he wasn’t getting enough air, just as a small baby,” she said.
According to Chris, his problems often pop up at play time and he would start coughing and has to stop playing.
Now, he is part of a national trial at Duke because he has had another problem: acid reflux or GERD – when acid leaves the stomach and irritates the lining of the esophagus. It can even causing vomiting.
The reflux-and-asthma combination is common enough that doctors want to know if there’s a connection.
Dr. Larry Williams, a Duke pediatrician said that doctors are interested to know whether GERD as a trigger for asthma and, whether they need to treat GERD as well.
Presently at the trial, some kids get a study drug to neutralize stomach acid while others get a placebo. It is a requirement that they keep daily diaries and other homework to track their asthma symptoms.
The aim of the research is find out a better way to control of asthma symptoms for kids. Chris’ parents say they’re for anything that might help him and others with asthma lead more normal and active lives.
Duke is still looking for young study participants for the trial. Candidates must be 5 to 17 years old, taking daily asthma medications and exhibit asthma symptoms several times a week. Call Nurse Coordinator Ginny Dudek at 919-684-0191 or e-mail DukeAsthma@duke.edu.
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