FREQUENCY OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE AMONG PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent and progressive respiratory condition frequently associated with comorbidities that complicate its management. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasingly recognized as a common coexisting condition that can worsen respiratory symptoms and disease outcomes in COPD patients. Objective: To determine the frequency of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) among patients presenting with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Conducted at a tertiary care hospital, the Department of Pulmonology, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, Pakistan. Duration of Study: 12 December 2024 to 12 May 2025. Methods: A total of 150 patients aged 30 to 70 years, of either gender, diagnosed with COPD, were enrolled in this study. Diagnosis of COPD was confirmed based on spirometric criteria (post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC ratio <0.70). GERD was diagnosed clinically based on the presence of retrosternal burning or acid regurgitation occurring at least twice weekly over the preceding month. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis; results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and percentages. Results: The mean age of participants was 54.21 ± 12.03 years. There were 94 males (62.7%) and 56 females (37.3%). COPD severity was classified as mild in 12 patients (8.0%), moderate in 66 (44.0%), severe in 63 (42.0%), and very severe in 9 patients (6.0%). GERD was diagnosed in 78 patients, yielding a frequency of 52.0% among the COPD cohort. The prevalence of GERD appeared to correlate with increasing COPD severity. Conclusion: GERD was identified in more than half of the COPD patients in this study, with a notable association between GERD frequency and COPD severity. These findings underscore the need for proactive GERD screening in the management of COPD to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.