Effect of cigarette smoking on gastropharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux

Gastropharyngeal reflux appears to be associated with various otolaryngolog ical complaints. Cigarette smoking is known to affect adversely the defense mechanisms against reflux of acid gastric contents into the esophagus. To study the relationship between gastropharyngeal, as well as gastroesophagea l, reflux and cigarette smoking, 15 subjects underwent 24-hour double-probe pH monitoring while smoking their daily amount of cigarettes. The percenta ge of time the pH was below 4 during the smoking period was significantly h igher than the percentage of time the pH was below 4 during the nonsmoking period, proximal, at the level of the upper esophageal sphincter, as well a s distal. above the lower esophageal sphincter. These findings demonstrate that smoking increases gastropharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux. Smoker s with complaints and disorders caused by reflux should therefore be advise d to stop smoking in order to reduce reflux.