Frequency and severity of COPD in patients with hiatal hernia

<bold>Background:</bold> Hiatal hernia (HH) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been linked to respiratory disorders like pulmonary fibrosis. Their relation with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) lacks clarity in current scientific understanding. This study aimed to investigate the proportion of COPD among HH patients, assess its severity, and screen for associated symptoms. <bold>Methods:</bold> A retrospective descriptive study, conducted at Hôtel Dieu de France (HDF) from January 2020 to May 2023, included patients with HH diagnosed on CT scan. COPD severity was evaluated using the COPD assessment test (CAT). Non - COPD patients were screened for COPD using a validated questionnaire from the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), with further evaluation warranted for those exhibiting more than three symptoms. GERD medications, symptoms, and gender were recorded. <bold>Results:</bold> 1,308 patients (7.53%) among 17,374 scans were positive for HH. After excluding patients who did not respond to calls or were deceased, a total of 453 patients were included. 54 patients (11.92%) were diagnosed with COPD, of which 24 (44.44%) had high severity. Among 399 non - COPD patients, 157 (39.1%) displayed at least three signs necessitating further evaluation. In HH patients, gender, GERD symptoms, and GERD medications showed no significant association with COPD (p=0.68, p=0.6 and p=0.74, respectively). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The presence of an HH may lead to poorly controlled COPD. Therefore, the management of hiatal hernia could potentially contribute to controlling patients with COPD.