October 21, 2002 SEATTLE (American College of Gastroenterology) -- The daily use of medications to treat acid reflux, proton pump inhibitors (PPI), reduces asthma exacerbations and improves general well-being of asthma patients with symptoms of acid reflux. A study presented at the 67th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology found that the use of a proton pump inhibitor along with asthma medications improved reflux symptoms, as well as improving reported quality of life. Fewer patients taking PPIs had at least one asthma exacerbation with PPI vs. placebo.
In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 207 subjects receiving usual asthma care were randomized to 30 mg twice a day of lansoprazole or placebo. All subjects had symptoms of acid reflux, moderate to severe persistent asthma, and were taking inhaled corticosteroids.
According to Michael R. Littner, M.D., one of the investigators from the Veterans Administration Healthcare System in Sepulveda, CA, the use of a proton pump inhibitor "appears to offer significant benefit to asthma patients with more difficult to control asthma as indicated by the requirement for more than one long-term asthma control medication."
