ABSTRACT
Ciastro-pharyageal reflux appears to be associated with various otolaryngological complaints Cigarette smoking is known to affect adversely the defense mechanisms against reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus. To study the relationship between gastropharyngeal as well as gastroesophageal refluxes and cigarette smoking, fifteen subjects underwent 24-hour double - probe pH monitoring while smoking their daily amount of cigarettes. The percentage of time the PH was below 4 during the smoking period was significantly higher than the percentage of time the pH was below 4 during the non-smoking period, proximal, at the level of the upper oesophageal sphincter, as well as distal above the lower oesophageal sphincter. in conclusion, this study demonstrated and concluded that smoking increases both the gastropharyngeal and gastroesophageal refluxes by affection on the defense mechanisms against reflux of gastric acid or increased gastric acidity. Thus, smokers with disorders and / or complaints caused by reflux should, therefore, be advised to stop smoking in order to reduce reflux of gastric acid into the oesophagus and pharynx