Please read Dr. An’s article in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine titled, “Mendelian Randomization Analysis Reveals a Complex Genetic Interplay Among Atopic Dermatitis, Asthma, and GERD.“
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition caused by persistent regurgitation of gastric contents leading to the sequelae of esophageal and/or extra-esophageal complications, is highly prevalent and occurs in ~75% of patients with asthma. The frequent coexistence of traits, or GERD comorbidity in patients with asthma, may underlie common genetic etiology and/or pathogenic mechanisms shared between the two diseases. Of note, micro-aspiration of endogenous acids can reduce the pH of the airways, and via either reflex mechanisms or direct effects on the airways, has been proposed to contribute to the pathophysiology of obstructive lung diseases. Subsequently, it was determined that GERD can trigger asthma exacerbation. In addition, numerous clinical and epidemiological studies have reported association between asthma and GERD; and, a large body of evidence suggests GERD increases the risk of asthma. However, as these observational studies are often limited to cross-sectional design, and susceptible to confounding and reverse causation, whether the presence of GERD causally increases the risk for asthma remains unclear. To read the full article.
Mendelian Randomization Analysis Reveals a Complex Genetic Interplay Among Atopic Dermatitis, Asthma, and GERD. Ahn K, Penn RB, Rattan S, Panettieri RA Jr, Voight BF, An SS. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2022 PMID: 36214830 DOI: 1164/rccm.202205-0951OC Online ahead of print.