Frequency of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease among Patients Presenting with Bronchial Asthma

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is increasingly recognized as a comorbidity in asthma patients, and may be involved in the modulation of disease severity and control of symptoms. Estimation of prevalence and risk factors is therefore of fundamental importance in the optimization of asthma management, most importantly in resource-poor settings. Objective: To determine the frequency of gastroesophageal reflux disease among patients presenting with bronchial asthma. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: This study was conducted from February to May 2025 at the Pulmonology Department, Mardan Medical Complex Mardan. Methodology: A total of 167 patients aged 18–65 years with confirmed bronchial asthma were enrolled. Diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms and spirometric criteria (≥12% and 200 mL increase in FEV₁ post-bronchodilator). Individuals with other chronic respiratory diseases were excluded. Symptom-based diagnosis of GERD required heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, and persistent throat discomfort. Results: The mean age was 41.22 ± 11.80 years; 53.3% were female. GERD was present in 46.1% of patients. Statistically significant associations with GERD included age >40 years (p<0.001), BMI >25 (p<0.001), asthma duration >5 years (p<0.001), smoking (p<0.001), diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), hypertension (p<0.001), and cardiac disease (p<0.001). Conclusion: GERD is prevalent among asthmatic patients and is significantly associated with age, obesity, smoking, chronic asthma, and comorbidities, underscoring the need for routine GERD screening in asthma care.