Mechanism of spirometry associated gastro-esophageal reflux in individuals undergoing esophageal assessment
by Matthew Xu, John D. Brannan, Vincent Ho, Jerry Zhou
Persistent variability observed during spirometry, even when technical and personal factors are controlled, has prompted interest in uncovering its underlying mechanisms. Notably, our prior investigations have unveiled that spirometry has the potential to trigger gastro-esophageal reflux in a susceptible population. This current study embarks on elucidating the intricate mechanisms orchestrating reflux induced by spirometry. To achieve this, we enlisted twenty-four (24) participants exhibiting reflux symptoms for esophageal assessment. These participants underwent two sets of spirometry sessions, interspersed with a 10-minute intermission, during which we closely scrutinized fluid flow dynamics and esophageal function through high-resolution impedance esophageal manometry. Our comprehensive evaluation juxtaposed baseline manometric parameters against their equivalents during the initial spirometry session, the intervening rest period, and the subsequent spirometry session. Remarkably, impedance values, serving as a metric for fluid quantity, exhibited a substantial elevation during each spirometry session and the ensuing recovery interval in the pan-esophageal and hypopharyngeal regions when compared to baseline levels. Additionally, the resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter experienced a noteworthy reduction subsequent to the first bout of spirometry (13.6 ± 8.8 mmHg) in comparison to the baseline pressure (22.5 ± 13.3 mmHg). Furthermore, our observations unveiled a decline in spirometric parameters—FEV1 (0.14 ± 0.24 L, P = 0.042) and PEFR (0.67 L/s, P = 0.34)—during the second spirometry session when contrasted with the first session. Collectively, our study underscores the compelling evidence that spirometry maneuvers can elicit gastro-esophageal reflux by eliciting intra-esophageal pressure differentials and inducing temporary relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.