Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death worldwide and is characterized by persistant, irreversible airflow obstruction. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent comorbidity COPD that is associated with increased medical expenditures, worse quality of life, and increased disease severity in COPD patients. Despite the high prevalence and burden of GERD in COPD, the complex relationship between GERD and COPD have not been fully investigated. Discoveries we make will have the potential to help improve the health and quality of life of COPD patients. To improve the health and quality of life of COPD patients, we will investigate the relationships between genetics, GERD, and COPD. Over the course of 36 months, our project will use genetic markers to scan the genome to find single genetic variants and regions associated with GERD in COPD.
