Breathing Trouble: Meta-Analysis Links Inhaled Pollutants to Higher Risk of GERD, Ulcers, and GI Cancers
USA: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis published in Scientific Reports has found strong evidence linking various inhalational exposures—such as cigarette smoke, waterpipe use, and airborne particulate matter (PM)—to an increased risk of upper gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. The study, led by Dr. Anna Nolan from the Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, analyzed over 100 eligible studies to better understand the connection between environmental inhalants and digestive health.
The researchers sifted through 1,800+ articles across PubMed and Web of Science, ultimately including 111 studies that met stringent eligibility criteria.
Based on the study, the researchers reported the following findings:
- Exposure to airborne pollutants was significantly associated with an increased risk of several upper gastrointestinal disorders.
- The highest risk was observed for esophageal cancer, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.83.
- Gastric cancer also showed a notable risk increase, with an OR of 1.71.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) had a similar elevated risk, with an OR of 1.71.
- Esophagitis was linked to inhalational exposures with an OR of 1.32.
- Peptic ulcer disease showed a moderate association, with an OR of 1.21.
- No significant association was found between inhalational exposures and Barrett’s esophagus, with a pooled OR of 0.93, indicating selective vulnerability among upper GI conditions.
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