Gastroesophageal reflux and obstructive sleep apnea

Objective: To determine the extent to which gastroesophageal reflux (GER)-initiated laryngeal chemoreflexes contribute to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods. Prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial of an antireflux treatment protocol as a means of reducing the severity of OSA. Population consisted of 10 males aged 20 to 64 years with confirmed OSA (by overnight polysomnography) and GER (by ambulatory pH probe monitoring). Patients were treated with omeprazole and standard antireflux protocol for 30 days and pre- and posttreatment polysomnography variables were compared. Results: Mean apnea index declined 31% (45-31, P = .04); mean respiratory disturbance index declined 25% (62-46, P = .06). Three patients (30%) are "treatment responders" as defined by traditional OSA treatment definitions. Conclusions: These results suggest a potential relationship between OSA and GER, the treatment of which may be an effective adjunctive in those with both disorders. Treatment of GER may significantly impact OSA in select individuals.