[Evaluation of rhinologic manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux]

As well as other usually irritative factors, the acidity of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) has many medical consequences that are not well known at the present time. The aim of this study is to describe the rhinologic signs caused by this common disease.

Prospective study; two groups (GOR proved by pH-metry and control) of 20 patients (10 men and 10 women) were formed. Individual patient status was evaluated by questionnaire, visual analogue scale (AVS), clinical examination and rhinomanometry.

Nasal resistance, nasal obstruction and posterior rhinorrhea evaluated by AVS are significantly higher in the GOR group as compared to the control group (Mann-Whitney test; total nasal resistance: p < 0.01, uninasal resistances: p < 0.001, nasal obstruction: p < 0.00001, posterior rhinorrhea: p < 0.00001).

The control group was completely free from rhinologic signs, so we used it to confirm the normal values of nasal resistance. Nasal obstruction and posterior rhinorrhea are two new signs which should be researched in patients affected by GOR.

GOR is an important irritative factor for nasal mucosa responsible for nasal obstruction and posterior rhinorrhea. (full article translated in english available on www.ent-review.com).