Gastroesophageal Reflux in Chronic Cough and Cough Syncope and the Effect of Antireflux Treatment: Case Report and Literature Review

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of antireflux treatment on gastroesophageal reflux (GER)-related cough syncope. Methods: The method used was a retrospective review of the outcomes of antireflux treatment with proton pump inhibitor (PPI), Stretta radiofrequency (SRF), or laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) of 8 patients with chronic cough and cough syncope that was clinically evaluated to be GER related over a period of 2 to 5 years. Results: In the 8 selected cases, the typical GER symptoms disappeared in 7 cases and were significantly eased in I case. The chronic cough diminished to mild and occasional occurrence in 6 cases and was completely relieved in 2 cases. Meanwhile, the cough syncope disappeared in all cases. Seven of the patients resumed physical and social functions after the antireflux treatments, except for I person, who had a stroke due to other causes. Conclusion: For chronic cough and cough syncope of unknown cause, the GER assessment could be valuable. In treating well-selected GER-related chronic cough and cough syncope, PPI, SRF, and LF can be considered. Moreover, satisfactory restoration of physical and social functions could be achieved after effective antireflux therapy.