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Subglottic stenosis complicated by allergic esophagitis: case report.
Christopher J Hartnick1, James H Liu, Robin T Cotton
1Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|January 22, 2002
Summary
Allergic esophagitis, a rare condition causing swallowing difficulties, was identified in a child with recurring subglottic stenosis. Corticosteroid therapy improved both esophageal and airway symptoms, suggesting a potential link.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Allergic esophagitis is a recognized cause of dysphagia.
- Subglottic stenosis is a rare but serious airway obstruction in children.
- The association between allergic esophagitis and subglottic stenosis has not been previously documented.
Observation:
- A 2-year-old girl presented with symptoms indicative of allergic esophagitis and recurrent subglottic stenosis unresponsive to surgery.
- Standard investigations, including esophageal pH monitoring, were normal.
- The patient did not respond to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatments.
Findings:
- Dramatic improvement in both esophageal and laryngeal symptoms was observed following corticosteroid therapy.
- This suggests a potential allergic or inflammatory etiology common to both conditions.
- The case highlights a novel association between allergic esophagitis and subglottic stenosis.
Implications:
- Corticosteroids may be a viable treatment option for children with co-existing allergic esophagitis and subglottic stenosis.
- This case broadens the clinical spectrum of allergic esophagitis.
- Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms linking these two conditions.