[Laryngeal mask of gastroesophageal reflux disease]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease has become a serious problem not only for general practitioners but for other specialists as well. It is caused by the fact that its clinical picture and symptomatology are very rich. Beside characteristic symptoms such as: heartburn, eructation, gastric contents reflux, epigastric burning or dysphagia, there may appear extroesophageal symptoms (frequently as single or leading ones). It is generally though that the above symptoms result from the direct effect of gastric contents on throat and larynx and/or through vagus nerve. Direct effect of hydrochloric acid and other gastric juice components on larynx may be the cause of subglottic laryngostenosis, neoplastic transformation and development of squamous cell carcinoma. This, it may be concluded that gastroesophageal reflux disease should be in the sphere of interest of laryngologists as well as gastroenterologists. Cooperation of these specialists is particularly useful as it quickens the choice of proper diagnostic procedure and an introduction of an appropriate therapeutic treatment.