The Aeriflux™ Breath Test helps determine objectively when airway acid causes cough.
Professional
> What is Acid Reflux Cough?
What
is Acid Reflux Cough?
Acid
reflux cough is a common disorder that is a frequent cause of isolated
chronic cough. Acid reflux cough is an important additional factor causing
symptoms in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) as well as other respiratory diseases such as Pulmonary Fibrosis
and Lung Transplant rejection. In fact, it may well be a dominant cause
of respiratory pathology in many of your patients.
Acid reflux cough is not gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although
acid reflux is involved in both disorders, there are critical differences
in the pathology, diagnosis and therapy.
GERD
Acid
Reflux Cough
Symptoms
Gastrointestinal
Respiratory
Stimulus
Acid
in the esophagus
Acid
in the pharynx with or without microaspiration
Exposure
pH
levels of 2-4 occurring infrequently (exposure time less than 6%)
poses little erosive threat to the esophagus
pH
levels below 6.5 for any duration can trigger cough, wheeze, hoarseness,
airway inflammation, asthma and COPD exacerbations
Sensitivity
Sensitivity
of the esophagus to mild acid challenge is low
Sensitivity
of the larynx and lower airway to mild acid challenge is extremely
high
