Gastroesophageal reflux disease and extraesophageal disease

The patient with extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease presents a clinical challenge. Symptom presentation overlaps with other otolaryngologic and pulmonary disease, and heartburn might be infrequent or absent. Endoscopy and pH monitoring are insensitive and therefore not useful in many patients as diagnostic modalities. Thus, antisecretory therapy is used as both a diagnostic trial and as therapy in the majority. Attention to optimizing therapy and judicious use of endoscopy and reflux monitoring are needed to minimize cost and maximize success.