Nathaniel F. Watson, M.D.1 and Sue K. Mystkowski, M.D.2
1Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
2Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Address correspondence to: Nathaniel F. Watson, University of Washington Sleep Disorders Center at Harborview, Box 359803, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104-2499Phone: (206) 744-4337Fax: (206) 744-5657,; Email: nwatson@u.washington.edu
Received February 2008; Accepted May 2008.
Abstract
Study Objectives:
Aerophagia is a complication of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for sleep disordered breathing (SDB), whereupon air is forced into the stomach and bowel. Associated discomfort can result in CPAP discontinuation. We hypothesize that aerophagia is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) via mechanisms involving GERD related lower esophageal sphincter (LES) compromise.
Methods:
Twenty-two subjects with aerophagia and 22 controls, matched for age, gender, and body mass index, who were being treated with CPAP for SDB were compared in regard to clinical aspects of GERD, GERD associated habits, SDB severity as measured by polysomnography, and mean CPAP pressure.
Results:
More subjects with aerophagia had symptoms of GERD (77.3% vs. 36.4%; p < 0.01) and were on GERD related medications (45.5% vs. 18.2%, p < 0.05) than controls. Regarding polysomnography, mean oxygen saturation percentages were lower in the aerophagia group than controls (95.0% vs. 96.5%, p < 0.05). No other differences were observed, including mean CPAP pressures. No one in the aerophagia group (vs. 27.3% of the control group) was a current tobacco user (p < 0.01). There was no difference in caffeine or alcohol use between the 2 groups.
Conclusions:
These results imply aerophagia is associated with GERD symptoms and GERD related medication use. This finding suggests a relationship between GERD related LES pathophysiology and the development of aerophagia in patients with SDB treated with CPAP.
Citation:
J Clin Sleep Med 2008;4(5):434–438.
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