Reflex mechanisms in gastroesophageal reflux disease and asthma

This article presents a brief description of the reflex mechanisms responsible for cough and bronchospasm, and identifies several potential mechanisms by which gastroesophageal reflux (GER) may precipitate these reflexes. Airway and esophageal reflexes related to various mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors have been elucidated, primarily in animal studies. Central nervous system (CNS) reflex pathways as well as local axon reflexes may each...