Lansoprazole to Treat Children With Asthma

Approximately 75% of individuals with asthma also experience GERD. If left untreated, GERD can lead to lung damage, esophageal ulcers, or esophageal cancer. Children and adults whose asthma is poorly controlled with inhaled corticosteroids are often prescribed drugs that suppress gastric acid production; however, this treatment is expensive and has not been proven beneficial. Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor medication that reduces stomach acid production. It may also decrease the frequency of asthma exacerbations in children with poorly controlled asthma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of lansoprazole at improving asthma control, quality of life, and lung function in children with asthma. This study will enroll children with poor asthma control who are receiving inhaled corticosteroids. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either lansoprazole or placebo on a daily basis for 6 months. Study visits will occur at baseline and Weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24, and participants will be contacted by telephone at Week 2. A physical examination, blood collection, and methacholine challenge test will occur at selected visits. The methacholine challenge test will be used to help determine the severity of an individual's asthma. Lung function and airway pressure testing, questionnaires on asthma control and quality of life, medical history review, pill counts, and distribution of medication will occur at most study visits. Participants will record asthma symptoms and lung function in a daily diary throughout the study. A select group of participants will also wear an esophageal potential Hydrogen (pH) monitor for 24 hours to evaluate GERD symptoms and the relationship between GERD and asthma symptoms.