Association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a national cross-sectional cohort study

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common causes of chronic cough and a potential risk factor for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of GERD in patients with COPD and association between GERD and COPD exacerbation. Methods: Data were collected from the National Health Insurance Database of Korea. The subjects were 40 years old and older, who had COPD as primary or secondary diagnosis codes and utilized health care resource to receive prescriptions of COPD medication at least twice in 2009. Univariate logistic regression was performed to understand the relationship between COPD and GERD, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with adjustment for several confounding factors. Results: The prevalence of GERD in COPD patients was 28% (39,987/141,057). Old age, female gender, medical aid insurance type, hospitalization, and emergency room (ER) visit were associated with GERD. Most of COPD medications except inhaled muscarinic antagonists were associated with GERD. The logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of GERD was associated with increased risk of hospitalization (OR 1.54, CI 1.50 to 1.58, p<0.001) and frequent ER visits (OR 1.55, CI 1.48 to 1.62, p<0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of GERD in patients with COPD was high. Old age, female gender, medical aid insurance type, and many COPD medications except inhaled muscarinic antagonists were associated with GERD. The presence of GERD was associated with COPD exacerbation.