Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with extraesophageal symptoms referred from otolaryngology, allergy, and cardiology practices: A prospective study

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD ) as well as the clinical, endoscopic, and manometric characteristics in 57 adult patients with otolaryngeal symptoms, asthma, or noncardiac chest pai n referred from specialized services. Methods: The following evaluations we re performed: (1) upper endoscopy, (2) 24-hour ambulatory esophageal pH mon itoring, and (3) esophageal manometry. The prevalence of GERD was determine d, and demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and manometric characteristics of patients with or without GERD were evaluated. Results: Thirty-four out of 57 patients (60%) had GERD. The 95% confidence interval ranged from 48 to 7 2%. There was no statistical difference between patients with or without GE RD regarding gender, age, or time of evolution of symptoms. Cough was more frequent in the subjects with GERD (75 vs. 25%, p<0.05). Nevertheless, coug h was observed in only 53% of the patients with GERD. Patients suffering fr om laryngitis had a greater proximal and distal esophageal acid exposure ti me than those without, Conclusions:The prevalence of GERD was 60%. There is not a definite demographic or clinical profile that permits us to distingu ish between patients with and without GERD among those with ear, nose, and throat and pulmonary symptoms or chest pain. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger A G, Basel.