UPPER RESPIRATORY-TRACT COMPLICATIONS OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX IN ADULT AND PEDIATRIC-AGE PATIENTS

Upper airway complications of gastroesophageal reflux occur much less frequently than those aborad to the upper esophageal sphincter; howeve r, laryngitis, laryngeal and/or tracheal stenosis, globus syndrome, or opharyngeal dysphagia, otitis media, sinusitis, and rhinitis can all b e associated with significant morbidity and occasional mortality in bo th adult and pediatric patients. Sudden infant death and apparent life -threatening events, both found only in pediatric patients, are even l ess frequently associated with gastroesophageal reflux. Today, excelle nt diagnostic methods are available, such as proximal. 24-hour pH prob e evaluations or scintigraphy, making proper diagnosis much easier tha n previously. Although today's medical and surgical methods do not aff ect the underlying pathophysiology, they are frequently very effective in controlling signs and symptoms, allowing the patients to return to resume their normal life-styles and livelihoods.