The role of gastroesophageal reflux disease in asthma.

PURPOSE: To emphasize the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and asthma symptoms or exacerbations.

DATA SOURCES: Selective review of the scientific literature.

CONCLUSIONS: Although studies in recent years have offered insight into the relationship between GERD and asthma symptoms, many nurse practitioners (NPs) fail to recognize atypical GERD symptoms, which may explain difficult-to-treat asthma and exacerbation. It has become evident that patients suffering from persistent asthma display an increased prevalence of GERD.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: While there are increasing constraints that limit the provider-patient interaction time, it is imperative that NPs develop keen assessment skills to effectively diagnose and treat asthma symptoms that are a product of GERD. Awareness of the asthma-GERD relationship allows NPs to quickly obtain pertinent information and successfully determine how to efficiently treat symptomatic asthmatic patients.