Pediatric otolaryngologic manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2003 Jun;5(3):247-52. doi: 10.1007/s11894-003-0027-5.

Abstract

In adults, an estimated 4% to 10% of chronic, nonspecific laryngeal disease seen in otolaryngologic clinics is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although no such estimates exist in children, many investigators have reported extraesophageal manifestations of GERD, of which the most common is the association of GERD with asthma and chronic cough. A variety of signs and symptoms of otolaryngologic disease also have been attributed to GERD, including hoarseness, laryngitis, chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, globus pharyngeus, recurrent croup, laryngomalacia, stridor, subglottic stenosis, otalgia, vocal cord granulomas, and oropharyngeal dysphagia. However, proof of the association between these manifestations of otolaryngologic disease and GERD is sparse. Furthermore, the manifestations of otolaryngologic disease often occur in the absence of such classic systems of GERD as heartburn or chest pain. This review explores the role of GERD in otolaryngologic disease in children.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / complications*
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / diagnosis
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / etiology*
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / physiopathology