[Head and neck symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux]

In otorhinolaryngology, the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and pharyngolaryngeal disorders is well-known. In fact, many patients with GER debut with head and neck symptoms or are first seen by an otolaryngologist. We proposed to identify the ENT symptoms most frequently associated with GER, to differentiate between physiological and pathological GER, and to confirm the effectiveness of antacid treatment. Our study included 20 ambulatory patients who presented pharygolaryngeal symptoms and clinical manifestations of GER (heartburn and regurgitation). The patients underwent a complete ENT examination and were referred to a gastroenterologist for esophagoscopy, manometry, and 24-hour pH monitoring. All patients received antireflux therapy for one month (ranitidine 150 mg given twice daily). We conclude that GER produces a variety of manifestations, but the most frequent pharyngolaryngeal symptoms and physical findings were globus pharyngeus and erythema of the arytenoids, respectively. Pathological GER was found in only one third of our patients and 90% responded well to treatment.