Gastroesophageal reflux contributing to chronic sinus disease in children: a prospective analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the possible role of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in children with chronic sinus disease (CSD).


METHODS
A descriptive prevalence study of the frequency of GER and nasopharyngeal reflux in children with CSD.


METHODS
Pediatric otolaryngology and gastroenterology outpatient clinics of a regional medical center.


METHODS
Consecutive children aged 2 to 18 years referred for evaluation of CSD from December 1, 1996, through April 30, 1998.


METHODS
Participants underwent 24-hour monitoring with dual pH probes, and participants (or their parents) completed questionnaires before treatment and at specific intervals after treatment.


METHODS
Prevalence of GER and nasopharyngeal reflux in children with CSD, and the response of sinusitis to treatment in those diagnosed with GER.


RESULTS
Nineteen (63%) of 30 patients demonstrated esophageal reflux, which is well above the expected prevalence of GER in the healthy general population. Six (32%) of these 19 patients demonstrated nasopharyngeal reflux. Fifteen (79%) of 19 patients improved after treatment for GER.


CONCLUSIONS
The children in this population had a prevalence of GER that was significantly higher than expected. Furthermore, most children with GER demonstrated improvement of sinus disease after treatment of GER. We recommend that children with CSD refractory to aggressive medical management be evaluated for GER and, if GER is present, be treated accordingly, before sinus surgery is considered.
Phipps
C D
CD
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
Wood
W E
WE
Gibson
W S
WS
Cochran
W J
WJ
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires