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Extra-esophageal acid reflux induced adenotonsillar hyperplasia: case report and literature review

Amanda Stapleton1, Linda Brodsky

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology and Pediatrics, University at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|December 28, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Extra-esophageal reflux may cause adenotonsillar hyperplasia, leading to obstructive sleep apnea. Treating reflux resolved enlarged tonsils and adenoids in a child, suggesting a new therapeutic approach.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Adenotonsillar hyperplasia etiology is unclear.
  • Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Observation:

  • A 3-year-old child with OSA secondary to adenotonsillar hyperplasia presented for surgery.
  • Subglottic stenosis was noted during intubation, leading to surgery cancellation.
  • Severe extra-esophageal reflux (EER) was diagnosed and treated.

Findings:

  • Following EER treatment, follow-up endoscopy revealed non-enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
  • Airway obstruction due to adenotonsillar hyperplasia resolved within 3 weeks.
  • This suggests a potential link between EER and adenotonsillar hyperplasia.

Implications:

  • Extra-esophageal reflux may play a significant role in adenotonsillar hyperplasia pathogenesis.
  • Identifying and treating EER could be a novel therapeutic strategy for pediatric OSA.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm the role of EER in adenotonsillar hyperplasia.

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