October 18 (iVillage Total Health) - People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acid reflux are twice as likely to experience exacerbations of the COPD as people without acid reflux, according to a new study.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic, progressive disease of the lungs that reduces airflow over time. It is characterized by symptoms that include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

A number of factors have been identified as triggers for COPD flare-ups, including pollution, cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes and lung infections. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Florida at Jacksonville suggests that acid reflux may also aggravate the condition.

Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux is a condition in which the contents of the stomach flow back (reflux) into the esophagus and damage its lining. The main symptom of GERD is heartburn, a burning pain in the chest. Other symptoms may include stomach pain, regurgitation of foods or throat discomfort.

The researchers used a questionnaire to determine the prevalence and effect of acid reflux symptoms on the rate of exacerbations in 86 men and women with COPD. The research team defined clinically significant reflux as weekly heartburn and/or acid regurgitation, and other outcome measures included frequency and type of COPD exacerbations.

After reviewing the data, the researchers found that patients reporting GERD symptoms (37 percent) were twice as likely to experience COPD exacerbations as those without GERD symptoms.

These findings suggest that patients with COPD and GERD would benefit from receiving treatment for reflux. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment for GERD may include lifestyle changes and medication.

The study appears in the October issue of CHEST.

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