The association of gastroesophageal reflux and otolaryngologic disorders

The laryngeal manifestations of GER may present with a number of nonspecific signs or symptoms. Patients with hoarseness, dysphagia, globus sensation, laryngeal granulomas, and subglottic stenosis should be evaluated for GER. In addition, physicians should be aware of the possible association of GER with Zenker's diverticulum and laryngeal carcinoma. While pH manometry is the mainstay for diagnosis of GER, the sensitivity is lower for patients with head and neck manifestations of GER probably because of the intermittancy of the reflux. The use of a pharyngeal probe may improve the sensitivity of the test. Treatment of head and neck manifestations of GER is no different than reflux esophagitis and medical therapy is typically successful in resolving symptoms.