Hoarseness in a child with gastroesophageal reflux

P E Putnam1, S R Orenstein

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania.

Insights

Pediatric hoarseness can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux. Treating reflux resolved hoarseness and cough in a young girl, suggesting a link.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in children.
  • Hoarseness is not typically recognized as a direct symptom of GER.

Observation:

  • A young girl presented with hoarseness and nocturnal cough.
  • She had documented gastroesophageal reflux and esophagitis.

Findings:

  • Treatment targeting GER and esophagitis led to the resolution of her hoarseness and cough.
  • This case highlights a potential, often overlooked, connection between GER and pediatric voice disturbances.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider GER in the differential diagnosis of pediatric hoarseness.
  • Further research into the pathogenetic mechanisms linking reflux to laryngeal symptoms is warranted.

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