Dual-probe 24-hour ambulatory pH monitoring for diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux.
BACKGROUND
Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease may suffer from a variety of symptoms from the upper aerodigestive tract. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of dual-probe 24-hr pH monitoring in the diagnosis of reflux-related otolaryngological disorders.


METHODS
Twenty-two patients with symptoms such as chronic cough, globus pharyngeus, heartburn, dysphonia and burning sensation of the tongue underwent a complete ear, nose and throat examination, 24-hr dual-probe pH monitoring, and oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy.


RESULTS
pH monitoring revealed gastroesophageal (distal) reflux in all patients and pharyngeal (proximal) reflux in 21 patients. Treatment consisted of a proton pump inhibitor (esomeprazole). Within 4 weeks 68 per cent of patients had no laryngopharyngeal symptoms; within 8 weeks 95 per cent of patients were symptom-free.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with atypical reflux symptoms such as hoarseness, globus sensation or throat-clearing responded well to anti-reflux treatment.
Issing
W J
WJ
Department of Otolaryngology, The Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK. wolfgang.issing@nuth.northy.nhs.uk
Karkos
P D
PD
Perreas
K
K
Folwaczny
C
C
Reichel
O
O
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003371:Cough / Q000209:etiology; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D064098:Esomeprazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006685:Hoarseness / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000379:methods*
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D064098:Esomeprazole