Doctors know that gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can bring on, or
worsen, an asthma attack. So, if you can control the reflux with
a relatively benign over-the-counter preparation, does this mean
you can also take less of the more aggressive, prescription
asthma drug? This novel approach has been tested on 46 children,
aged between 5 and 10 and, not surprisingly, it proved to be
very effective. The children had moderate asthma, which was
being treated with bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids and
antagonists - powerful drugs that come with their own side-
effects. Twenty-seven of the 46 children had GER, which was
treated with dietary changes or drugs. In the following 12
months, the children used far less of their prescribed
medication. Interestingly, even those children who had no signs
of GER, but were nonetheless treated for it, also saw a dramatic
reduction in their medication. (Source: Chest, 2003; 123:
1008-13).