Prevalence of extraesophageal reflux in patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux

OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence of extraesophageal reflux (EER) in patients with heartburn, posterior laryngitis (PL), and in healthy controls.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective and prospective study including a total of 101 subjects who underwent 24-hour dual-probe pH monitoring.RESULTS: 52% of the subjects with heartburn had EER. No significant differences were found between the PL and heartburn groups for any pharyngeal reflux parameters. However, supine pharyngeal reflux was significantly more prevalent in heartburn patients with GERD than in PL patients and healthy controls (P < 0.05). Significant positive correlation (P < 0.01) was found between the percentage of time pH <4 in the pharynx and in the distal esophagus.CONCLUSION: EER occurs in the majority of heartburn patients who are lacking laryngeal symptoms. Abnormal distal esophageal acid exposure makes the occurrence of EER more likely.SIGNIFICANCE: EER appears to be a continuum without clear-cut differences between the groups.