Gastro-esophageal reflux induced cough with airway hyperresponsiveness.

To investigate the characteristics of gastroesophageal reflux induced cough (GERC) with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Compared to patients with GERC alone and healthy subjects, cough sensitivity, multi-channel intraluminal impedance combined with pH monitoring and airway inflammation were evaluated in patients with GERC and AHR. 23 patients were definitely diagnosed as acid reflux induced GERC, 9 patients developed AHR concomitantly.

[Optimal cut-off point of symptom association probability in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux-induced chronic cough].

Objective: To explore the optimal cut-off point of symptom association probability (SAP) in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux-induced chronic cough (GERC) and therefore to improve the diagnostic accuracy.

Methods: Patients with suspected GERC consecutively referred to our respiratory clinic were enrolled into this prospective study between July 2011 and February 2013. After multi-channel intraluminal esophageal impedance and pH monitoring, SAP was calculated by associating the cough recordings on the patients' diary with the detected reflux.

Therapeutic efficacy of baclofen in refractory gastroesophageal reflux-induced chronic cough.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of baclofen for treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux-induced chronic cough (GERC) unresponsive to standard anti-reflux therapy.

Methods: Sixteen patients with refractory GERC were given an 8-wk course of baclofen 20 mg three times a day as an add-on therapy to omeprazole. Changes in the cough symptom score, cough threshold to capsaicin, reflux symptom score and possible adverse effects were determined after treatment.

[The diagnostic value of multichannel intraluminal esophageal impedance and pH monitoring in gastroesophageal reflux-related cough].

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value and limitation of multichannel intraluminal esophageal impedance and pH (MII-pH) monitoring on the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux-related chronic cough (GERC).

Methods: The patients with suspicious GERC consecutively referred to our respiratory clinic between May 2010 and July 2011 underwent a MII-pH monitoring, and received anti-reflux drug therapy, irrespective of the laboratory findings. Chronic cough due to gastroesophageal reflux was determined when there was a favorable response to anti-reflux therapy.

Discrepancy between presumptive and definite causes of chronic cough.

Background: The current diagnostic algorithms for chronic cough require the establishment of the primary presumptive causes followed by the confirmation of diagnosis with the specific therapies. The aim of the study was to investigate the discrepancy between presumptive and definite causes and its clinical implication.

Methods: A total of 109 patients with chronic cough underwent laboratory investigations to identify the cause of cough; including sinus computerized tomography (if needed), histamine bronchial provocation, induced sputum cytology and 24-hour esophageal pH or multi-channel intraluminal impedance combined with pH monitoring.