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10 Apr 2008
A possible link between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and asthma is to be investigated in a new study.
Researchers believe that acid reflux in youngsters may have the affect of worsening childhood asthma, Wral.com reports.
Experts hope that research will lead to better understanding of the possible connection between the two conditions.
They also believe that further investigations will improve control of children's asthma symptoms.
Some children taking part in the study will receive a drug to neutralise their stomach acid, while others will be given a placebo, a dummy pill.
Youngsters will also keep diaries and carry out work at home to track their asthma symptoms.
"[We want to know] whether we need to worry about GERD as a trigger for asthma, whether we need to treat GERD and which kids we ought to treat," Dr Larry Williams, from Duke University, which is taking part in the US study, said.
GERD in children can cause vomiting, coughing and respiratory problems, with failure to gain weight, refusing food and belching often common symptoms of the condition.
Click here to learn more about reflux disease
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