Otolaryngologic manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux in children

ABSTRACT

This study was performed to assess the role of gastroesophageal reflux [GER] in varieties of otolaryngologic dysfunction. This study was carried out over a one year period, between January 1995 and January 1996, at Sainte-Justine Hospital, Montreal, Canada. Thirty-seven charts were examined for different variables including, symptoms, signs, dysfunction, investigations, treatment and outcome. In children with otolaryngologic manifestation of GER, apnea and regurgitation were common presenting symptoms. Gastroesophageal reflux was also found to be more commonly associated with ear infection, adenoid hypertrophy, bronchial asthma and recurrent pneumonia. Gastroesophageal reflux has complicated manifestations in otolaryngology that are difficult to prove. High index of suspicion is recommended in order to diagnose GER as a cause of some otolaryngologic dysfunction