ROLE OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH CERVICAL SYMPTOMS

Otolaryngologists commonly see patients with various nonspecific upper aerodigestive or ''cervical'' symptoms. The relationship between gast roesophageal reflux disease and these symptoms has been studied but re mains unclear, We reviewed the records of 216 patients with various ce rvical symptoms, Each patient underwent a uniform investigation that i ncluded barium swallow, esophageal manometry, acid stimulation testing , and esophagoscopy with distal biopsy, Patients were treated with a c ombination of a histamine H-2 blocker or omeprazole and a prokinetic a gent, Follow-up was obtained in 194 patients, Overall, evidence of gas troesophageal reflux disease was detected in 73% of patients, Complete resolution or improvement of symptoms was seen in 84% of patients wit h treatment, We believe gastroesophageal reflux disease is an importan t factor in the cause of cervical problems.