Should otolaryngologists perform pH probe studies?
OBJECTIVE
This commentary discusses recent developments in the methods available to pediatric otolaryngologists in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux.


BACKGROUND
The development of detachable wireless monitoring allows the otolaryngologists to perform their own pH monitoring. It can be deployed while performing other procedures, such as laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. The procedure to insert the probe and collect data is described.


CONCLUSIONS
It is hoped that the pH probe will play an important role in understanding the pathological role of pharyngeal reflux in terms of laryngeal, pharyngeal, sinus and ear pathology.
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2521 Stockton Boulevard, Suite 7200, Sacarmento, 95817, USA. cwsenders@ucdavis.edu
Craig W
CW
Senders
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004867:Equipment Design; D005745:Gastric Acidity Determination / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008838:Microcomputers; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010036:Otolaryngology; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D010372:Pediatrics; D010819:Physician's Role; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*