The Yield of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Patients with Suspected Reflux-Related Chronic Ear, Nose, and Throat Symptoms

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2004.30066.x
• Publication Date: 2004-08-11T07:48:22Z
• Authors: Johan Poelmans; Louw Feenstra; Ingrid Demedts; Paul Rutgeerts; Jan Tack
• Keywords: Esophagitis; Hiatal Hernia; Reflux esophagitis; Nerd; Throat

OBJECTIVES It is well established that various ENT disorders and symptoms may be a manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Erosive esophagitis considered rare finding in patients therefore upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy not recommended the diagnostic work-up. However, large prospective studies underscoring this policy are lacking. The aim present study was to investigate prevalence severity with suspected GERD-related chronic symptoms. METHODS Endoscopy performed 405 GERD 545 typical patients. presence erosive esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, hiatal hernia, peptic ulcer, Helicobacter pylori infection on biopsies determined compared results symptom questionnaire. RESULTS (52.3%vs 38.4%; p < 0.05), mainly grade 1 (31.9%vs 22.7%; ulcer (8.4%vs 4.3%; 0.05) significantly higher GERD. mucosa occurred in, respectively, 4.9% 4.5% (NS). Esophagitis highest predominant cough lowest globus pharyngeus throat associated rates relief during first 8 wk proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. CONCLUSIONS Patients have high better response antisecretory