Extraesophageal Reflux in Pediatric Patients With Upper Respiratory Symptoms

Abstract

Evidence seems to support the hypothesis that reflux is associated with upper airway symptoms in children. However, the strength of this correlation and the risk of upper airway symptoms attributable to reflux are difficult to determine given the limitations of available literature. Future research studies should seek standard reflux testing methods, clear comparison groups, and more rigorous statistical methods.

Extraesophageal reflux in children

“…Unfortunately, no gold standard laboratory test exists for the diagnosis of EERD [30][31][32][33]. The clinician may use a variety of diagnostic tests depending on the information that is being sought.…”

Does Reflux Have a Causative Role in Laryngomalacia?

“…They found significant deficits in most studies, including the lack of suitable controls, inconsistency in testing for GER and failure to identify confounding factors and their significance. Moreover, the comparison of data across studies was limited by the use of different definitions for pediatric GER, as well as the use of different diagnostic modalities across studies [31].…”

Question 1 Does anti-reflux therapy improve symptoms in infants with laryngomalacia?: Table 1

“…Several series have shown a higher prevalence of GOR among patients with moderate to severe laryngomalacia, however while some case series and some expert opinion recommend the use of anti-reflux medication in such cases, they also acknowledge the lack of supporting evidence 10 11…”