[Reflux-associated diseases of the otorhinolaryngology tract]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common esophageal disease. It typically presents with heartburn and regurgitation, but it may also cause atypical symptoms, either alone or in combination. About 20 to 60 percent of patients with GERD have ENT symptoms without any heartburn. The most common ENT symptom is a globus sensation, yet there are many possible clinical signs such as laryngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, laryngospasm, laryngeal edema and granuloma that may mislead the initial work-up. In this work the pathophysiology, symptomatology, diagnostic measurements and therapeutic options of GERD are discussed. It is suggested that GERD has to be included into differential diagnostic approaches especially when routine treatment of these ENT diseases failes.